Instep interview
Overload are definitely not over and out… they've just been reinventing themselves!They are the boys who wowed us with drums and percussion and created a new sound around the hypnotic dhol of Pappu Saeein. Now they have parted ways with the great guru, but they are carrying on with a new vocalist in Meesha, an album in both English and Punjabi and a deal with Universal that will take them across the border!
By Aqsa Hussain
A contract with Universal Music group - How did it all happen?
We played at the Shalom music festival in Delhi in March this year. The entire Indian press was there. Other big artists present and playing were Medieval Pundits, Anoushka Shankar and Prem Joshua. The audience loved Overload, the event got a lot of coverage. Some of Universal's representatives were present at the occasion so they must have conveyed their thoughts to the company. We just got a call from them saying they wanted to sign us up and they loved our music.
Your last album was in 2006. It's been such a long time. When's your new album coming out and does it have a different sound to offer?
It's been a year and a half since our last and we like to spend time on our music because once it's out there its forever. We cannot change it so it has to be great no matter how long it takes. The new album is ready. We've just been waiting on a few contracts and deals to come through and the situation of the country to improve which I don't think will happen in many decades to come - but now that the contracts have come about and we can support ourselves we'll be releasing the second album titled 'Pichal Pairee' on Eid. Our first worldwide release will be in November on Universal records. It's got a lot more of drums and music as compared to the previous album. Vocals will also make an impact. Its very intense but at the same time very absorbable.
Overload is known as a high quality instrumental band without a vocalist, but with hypnotic sounds, dhols and rhythms. Your signature sound is what has made you a big name. Since being instrumental was your USP, now with Meesha (Saba Hameed's daughter) on vocals, will Overload be able to maintain it's uniqueness since she sings in English? Music in that language can't cater to masses.
We never actually planned on being a particular kind of band. We didn't have a vocalist on the first album because there was simply no space in our music for one. By the way, Meesha is singing in both English and Punjabi. We were never a band for the masses but I think this album will reach out to a bigger audience. Some people may complain about us changing our sound a lot but we've proven ourselves and made all the statements we had to with the first album and our concerts. Our dhol act is stronger than ever! It remains a vital part of our live act and we have some interesting stuff played by the amazing Nasir Saeen from Daska, a village in Punjab.
Overload has grabbed two LSA nominations... are you happy?
We've actually been nominated thrice including this year and we've received one 'Best Live Act' award for 2006. The band is really happy about it because we're not really into the fashion scene. We only go to events because we're friends with the fashion crowd but actually we are hard core musicians and it's great to be acknowledged by fashion gurus. With Meesha's presence we will be recognized more as a fashionable band since she's also a famous model. Plus we're working with HSY very actively also - making music for his shows and collaborating with him on a video!
How do you see LSA cancellation?
I think it's a disappointment for everyone. Every year the entire fashion, music, art, television and film scene get together to celebrate one year's hard work and its not thrilling that this year there will be none. Its like Basant - we used to have Basant every year but now because of the sad state of affairs of our country we just don't celebrate anything. We're supposed to be happy as individual people and as a nation but it's become a crime to be happy in Pakistan!
What about your upcoming videos... since fans still can't get over Dhamaal's video!
I know Bilal Lashari did very well with the video! We believe in perfection as far as our work is concerned that's why we spend time on both videos and audio. We know that videos cost a lot of money We're doing the video of 'Cursed' again , putting some vocals in there also for the international market. We are also shooting another video of one of our new tracks which will be released with our album & we're really excited about our new lineup & image.
Are you proceeding to India anytime soon?
We already have a few gigs lined up in India but I don't think Bollywood is our scene. It would be interesting to make a few 'item numbers' for Bollywood but that is not our aim. A lot of our Universal dealings and plans come about via India so we will be interacting with them a lot more.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ahmed Jehanzeb's Interview - The Youth
AHMED JEHANZEB
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER -- The Youth
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Call scores another deal in Bollywood. The News International - Instep Today.
Call scores another deal in Bollywood
Aqsa Hussain
It was 'Nishaan' that established Call in the underground circuit many years ago but post 'Laaree Chootee', Call has developed a larger albeit mixed following. The song came with its share of controversies. The fact that Junaid was not featured on the vocals or even the video sparked rumours of a break up. But as Junaid puts it, "It was a decision we made as a band because my vocals just wouldn't suit the song."
The film was a flop but the song was an absolute hit, not just in India but right here at home as well. And now amidst getting ready with their second album, Call has scored yet another deal in an upcoming Indian flick. Instep Today caught up with the backbone of Call, Xulfi to find out more...
Instep Today: Tell us about the new song?
Xulfi: The song is called 'Yeh Pal'. On the very day of the release of 'Laaree Chootee' in India, I got a call from Muzikzon Entertainment, a production house based in Mumbai. They said that they loved the song and wanted Call to do a song for their movie too. So they sent us the movie brief. I found it very fresh, very youthful and wrote the lyrics accordingly. They loved the direction the song was going towards so they gave the band complete freedom in creation of the song in the way we wanted to without any restrictions.
Instep Today: Did you guys record the song in India?
Xulfi: The song was written, composed, recorded and arranged right here in Pakistan at my studio Xth Harmonic (Lahore). So, it is, like 'Laaree Chootee', Call's own production in its entirety.
I composed the song, wrote the lyrics and I've sung the song. Plus, there is a remix of that song that would be released too. And this time, the remix hasn't been done by an Indian DJ, but by me and Sami Khan, the vocalist/songwriter of the band Lagan. We're flying out to India for the music launch that is slated for March 9.
Instep Today: Tell us about the movie in which 'Yeh Pal' is being featured.
Xulfi: It's called Aasman. It has Nauheed Cyrusi (Anwar fame), Hrishita Bhatt and an upcoming actor Subhahish Mukherjee in starring roles. The film is about a bunch of youngsters, who in their college days, decide to pursue an artistic aim and that's what they work for till the very end of the movie. The hurdles that come in their way, how they overcome them, and how they move on from there, becoming stronger in their motive and in their personality are themes that run through the film.
Instep Today: It has been a while since 'Laaree Chootee' happened. Why such a huge gap?
Xulfi: There aren't offers every month, no matter who the artists is. Most of the songs are acquired by producers/directors before they start shooting for the movie. My point is that it takes a lot of time for one song when it is being featured in a film. And that is what happened in our case. There are a few other offers from Bollywood, somewhat half done. We will announce them when everything is finalised.
Instep Today: Even though 'Laaree Chootee' was a massive hit, it also brought some criticism. It was more towards the commercial side considering the fact that you guys are a pure rock act. Comments?
Xulfi: Rock, I repeat, is not the only thing Call does. There would always be critics for everything that an artist does. That's how the music scene works. Plus, criticism is important as far as creating hype is concerned. It's all is a part of the game. Even if this time a few people criticize us, I won't mind it because I know the band has worked real hard on this song and we've tried to make sure that there are no weak moments. If 'Yeh Pal' is accepted as widely by the general audience as 'Laaree Chootee' then we'd all be pretty satisfied and happy.
An artist is not just someone who makes art so that he could keep it at home. Art like music is created so that people can relate to it and appreciate it. That's how we all earn our livelihood. Without public satisfaction, it really isn't the same. One might assume that his song is good but only when the general audience appreciates it, then it really matters.
Instep Today: Call's debut record, Jilawatan, released in 2005. And we're now in 2008. When will your second album release?
Xulfi: We have been working on our new album since the first album released, roughly two years. We really wanted that the second album should not just be a work of one month of song writing. We wanted it to encompass a bigger period and a versatile set of emotions. I feel, and I believe that we have somewhat accomplished that. But that still will only be proven when the album will be released. I hope the fans and the listeners feel the same intensity while listening to the songs that we felt while writing and creating them. We are planning for a release during this half of the year.
Aqsa Hussain
It was 'Nishaan' that established Call in the underground circuit many years ago but post 'Laaree Chootee', Call has developed a larger albeit mixed following. The song came with its share of controversies. The fact that Junaid was not featured on the vocals or even the video sparked rumours of a break up. But as Junaid puts it, "It was a decision we made as a band because my vocals just wouldn't suit the song."
The film was a flop but the song was an absolute hit, not just in India but right here at home as well. And now amidst getting ready with their second album, Call has scored yet another deal in an upcoming Indian flick. Instep Today caught up with the backbone of Call, Xulfi to find out more...
Instep Today: Tell us about the new song?
Xulfi: The song is called 'Yeh Pal'. On the very day of the release of 'Laaree Chootee' in India, I got a call from Muzikzon Entertainment, a production house based in Mumbai. They said that they loved the song and wanted Call to do a song for their movie too. So they sent us the movie brief. I found it very fresh, very youthful and wrote the lyrics accordingly. They loved the direction the song was going towards so they gave the band complete freedom in creation of the song in the way we wanted to without any restrictions.
Instep Today: Did you guys record the song in India?
Xulfi: The song was written, composed, recorded and arranged right here in Pakistan at my studio Xth Harmonic (Lahore). So, it is, like 'Laaree Chootee', Call's own production in its entirety.
I composed the song, wrote the lyrics and I've sung the song. Plus, there is a remix of that song that would be released too. And this time, the remix hasn't been done by an Indian DJ, but by me and Sami Khan, the vocalist/songwriter of the band Lagan. We're flying out to India for the music launch that is slated for March 9.
Instep Today: Tell us about the movie in which 'Yeh Pal' is being featured.
Xulfi: It's called Aasman. It has Nauheed Cyrusi (Anwar fame), Hrishita Bhatt and an upcoming actor Subhahish Mukherjee in starring roles. The film is about a bunch of youngsters, who in their college days, decide to pursue an artistic aim and that's what they work for till the very end of the movie. The hurdles that come in their way, how they overcome them, and how they move on from there, becoming stronger in their motive and in their personality are themes that run through the film.
Instep Today: It has been a while since 'Laaree Chootee' happened. Why such a huge gap?
Xulfi: There aren't offers every month, no matter who the artists is. Most of the songs are acquired by producers/directors before they start shooting for the movie. My point is that it takes a lot of time for one song when it is being featured in a film. And that is what happened in our case. There are a few other offers from Bollywood, somewhat half done. We will announce them when everything is finalised.
Instep Today: Even though 'Laaree Chootee' was a massive hit, it also brought some criticism. It was more towards the commercial side considering the fact that you guys are a pure rock act. Comments?
Xulfi: Rock, I repeat, is not the only thing Call does. There would always be critics for everything that an artist does. That's how the music scene works. Plus, criticism is important as far as creating hype is concerned. It's all is a part of the game. Even if this time a few people criticize us, I won't mind it because I know the band has worked real hard on this song and we've tried to make sure that there are no weak moments. If 'Yeh Pal' is accepted as widely by the general audience as 'Laaree Chootee' then we'd all be pretty satisfied and happy.
An artist is not just someone who makes art so that he could keep it at home. Art like music is created so that people can relate to it and appreciate it. That's how we all earn our livelihood. Without public satisfaction, it really isn't the same. One might assume that his song is good but only when the general audience appreciates it, then it really matters.
Instep Today: Call's debut record, Jilawatan, released in 2005. And we're now in 2008. When will your second album release?
Xulfi: We have been working on our new album since the first album released, roughly two years. We really wanted that the second album should not just be a work of one month of song writing. We wanted it to encompass a bigger period and a versatile set of emotions. I feel, and I believe that we have somewhat accomplished that. But that still will only be proven when the album will be released. I hope the fans and the listeners feel the same intensity while listening to the songs that we felt while writing and creating them. We are planning for a release during this half of the year.
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi. The News International - Kolachi.
city
calling
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi
calling
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi
For those with a penchant for shopping, Karachi's malls and shopping centres are a blessing. With so many places to choose from, Karachiites are spoilt for choice, though many prefer one over the other for their own reasons and the uniqueness each place has to offer
By Aqsa Hussain
Whoever said money can't buy happiness probably didn't know where to go shopping. Karachi's landscape, which is dotted with many shopping centres, could provide much relief in form of retail therapy to those seeking it. Shopping centres such as Saddar, Tariq Road, Zamzama, Zaib-un-nissa Street, Hyderi and Waterpump are popular for extreme shopping binges. Karachi's malls on the other
hand; Park Towers, Forum, Millennium Mall and Dolmen Mall, attract hoards of people, not all of them looking to shop. Most people just enjoy hanging at the malls. Come heat, rain or power breakdown, Karachiites find refuge at the malls. This is not to say mall enthusiasts don't shop. Avid customers head out to malls to browse at their favourite stores, with a growing variety of brands available at all of them, from groceries and electronics to designer clothes; these malls house everything from local to high-end brands.
Since the last couple of years, brand conscious people who really want to adopt latest styles and fashion; even living in areas such as P.E.C.H.S or Nazimabad, which are closer to Tariq Road and Hyderi prefer going to Park Towers or Forum instead. When asked about this proclivity, Mrs Mohsin, a housewife visiting Park Towers, has this to say; "The primary reason why I prefer coming here is that everything is available under one roof. One doesn't have to go to several different places to get everything one needs."
The trend of malls is on the rise. A big reason for this is the convenience malls offer shoppers.
Secondly, they are covered and therefore are attractive keeping Karachi's unpredictable weather in mind. The biggest incentive is perhaps the play-areas for children and food outlets in the malls. Now children can accompany parents for shopping and can be left comfortably amongst their favourite cartoon characters and fun rides. Moreover, tired and worn out husbands can be enticed with pit-stops at fast food restaurants at the malls to refresh and energize themselves for further bag carrying.
Malls like Park Towers, Forum, Millennium Mall and Dolmen in Karachi have lots of shops, along with huge food courts, especially Forum's Time Out, the double-storied McDonald's at Park Towers, which in itself is a big attraction for people and a pretty decent food court as well. Dolmen Mall too has a terrific food court.
On the other hand if one thinks of Karachi's shopping centres, the first thing that comes to mind is bargaining and congestion. Haphazard parking and squalor are two staples which distinguish shopping centres from malls. The khokhas and food stalls situated in shopping centres sell cheap food items, but at the cost of the health of the people who choose shopping centres as shopping spots. Another factor that is making shopping centres slightly unpalatable is the rising trend of mobile snatching in these areas.
Malls facilitate the shopping experience to a great extent. They actively promote their size with pride and offer a larger variety of merchandise as compared to smaller competitors. "You get better quality and variety, better display of goods and products, a better environment, better facilities like underground parking," says Nabeel, a mall lover, "there are decent toilets, security, and yeah, how can I forget; malls are centrally air-conditioned." His reasons for preferring malls don't end here. "Fixed prices save one from the headache of bargaining," Nabeel continues, "that international and
designer brands are available is great and most of all, shopping is great fun, enjoy it!"
Instead of investing too much time and energy buying cloth, bargaining, getting outfits stitched from a tailor etc., some shopaholics find it far more economical to visit shopping centres. "I can spend a little more time and energy in order to get a cheaper yet satisfactory product. Be it, toys, cosmetics, clothes, whatever," explains Hira Arsalan, who has always preferred shopping centres over malls. "Malls offer the opportunity to window shop, but only people with lots of money to spare can afford to actually shop there," she says.
Asma Siddiqui, a shopper at Gulf Shopping Centre says, "The place is over-crowded with people and the shopkeepers forever make you feel like you're their very first customer of the day, even if you enter the mall 15 minutes before shutdown!" Asma also isn't a fan of bargaining and the din that is characteristic of shopping centres. "There are so many different voices pulling me in different directions," she says, "and bargaining with just one shopkeeper is exhausting! I had come here with the intention to just browse, but the shopkeepers' appeals coaxed me into buying a low-quality product, albeit at a cheap price." By this one can easily make out that the original price which shopping centres quote is an inflated one according to the quality of the product and hence bargainable. The bargaining process itself leaves one's mind and wallet equally drained.
Rabi Centre, Jamia Cloth Market, Hyderi, Aashiana and a few more are the centres which attract shopaholics, especially during the wedding season. These centres offer a huge variety of wedding-wear at considerably lower prices than malls. As Tajwar, a bride-to-be points out, "malls offer designer labels. The same gota work that is done here is available at malls at thrice the price; I intend on getting my wedding outfit from Rabi Centre and party-wear from malls."
Hira, the ardent shopping centre fan also loves the chapals that are available at a mean price at Gulf. "Chapal prices at malls and other shops start at 500 rupees, at 150 rupees, these chapals are great," she says, "they might not last that long, maybe a month, but at the price they come, that is more than enough."
A large number of shoppers desperately want the number of malls to be increased here because of the comfort they provide to shoppers. Farrukh, a visitor at Park Towers, who has come from America, says, "I've been to many malls in America and I haven't really found a huge difference between those and the malls here." There are some differences, he says, "malls there are very big, they have cinemas, clubs, skating rinks and lots more, but the atmosphere is more or less the same; I love visiting malls in Karachi with my friends and just hanging out."
Huma Khan, a working woman shopping at the forum has some misgivings about trendy malls in the city. "Malls have become fashionable of late, when we were kids, I remember shopping at bazaars rather than at malls," she says, "the bazaars offered more variety. There is also this problem in Pakistan of chasing anything that glitters, which may or may not be gold. There is no guarantee of quality, even if one buys things at expensive malls."
There was a time when fashion designers were a novel concept in Pakistan. There was a specific class which turned to designer labels or boutiques for outfits. In the last few years, that has changed. More and more people are more aware of latest trends and want to wear clothes that are in fashion. This is true especially of women who keep up with all the latest fashions and want to look better than best. Designers such as Amir Adnan, Aijazz and Junaid Jamshed have their outlets not just in malls, but other shopping districts too and are in great demand. This highlights the fact that fashion awareness has risen in Pakistanis, who keep up with latest trends and know what looks good.
Fashion awareness has also led to people being brand conscious, or if one is to be very specific, conscious of where they buy an item. The same item bought at Park Towers is somehow more valuable than the one bought at Tariq Road. Despite the fact that shopping centres offer a large variety of brands as well cannot change the perception that the hip malls are better.
In spite of the presence of many designer shops, when going shopping, one still has a tough time deciding where to go. It is not only a matter of brand consciousness, as brands of all qualities are available in Karachi with corresponding prices. Cheap brands are available at malls and centres along with highly expensive brands. Boutiques like Bareeze`, Cynosure, Generation, Deepak Perwani, Exclusive, Ideas, Instyle, Khaadi etc. are situated side by side with economically priced stores.
Shopping can be quite an experience and shopping at a mall or shopping centres both provide experiences of very different kinds. In Karachi, luckily both can be had. Those seeking a comfortable environment with minimum ruckus can venture out to malls for their shopping expeditions, while those looking for fabulous items at competitive prices can brave chaotic shopping centres and districts. Either way, shopping in Karachi is an experience and a half!
Interview - Karachi character. The News International - Kolachi. May2008.
karachicharacter
Noman Hussain Malik: Power to the youth
By Aqsa Hussain
Noman Hussain Malik believes in making a difference. A computer engineer, besides being a veteran writer, an orator and a painter, Malik's career focuses on undergraduate education. He has written 12 books on computers for primary, secondary and higher secondary level. Currently, he is the editor of a magazine for the youth and has hosted various talk shows and workshops. Being the strong advocate of youth issues, Hussain is also involved in social work. Here's what he had to say when on a one-on-one with Kolachi:
Kolachi: As a writer, what do you intend to convey through your work?
Noman Hussain Malik: As a writer, I motivate students to do their very best and push themselves. By expanding on what I already know and exploring new, uncharted territory, students increase their chances of doing well in their career. My writing style is best described as eclectic. While I am always organised and focused, I vary my instructional methodologies to incorporate diverse activities and material to engage and raise the interest of students. By understanding human behaviour and acknowledging the many different learning styles of students, I try to convey my message in a lucid manner.
K: You've written 11 books on computers for students. What was it that you wanted to achieve through it?
NHM: I believe that education is vital to establish a strong foundation on which understanding is based. The absence of education allows opportunities for ignorance to take from and grow, resulting in negative repercussions for the society. Keeping this in view, I have written 11 books on computers for the elementary, upper elementary, and secondary level. My ultimate endeavour is to guide students in developing the skills and knowledge necessary in becoming a responsible member of our society.
K: Why editing?
NHM: There are very few people who choose editing as a profession. It is mostly the profession that chooses them. Everyone edits – it doesn't matter how old and/or experienced one is. Those writers/authors who revise even one word in a manuscript are editing. A speaker who pauses in mid-sentence to find a better word or phrase, a manager who revises an instruction… they are all editors. With editing, I want to strive to produce the best quality work so that my writing a piece or magazine or book provokes young people to read.
K: Don't you think with the explosion of electronic media in past few years, the youth has lost interest in the written word?
NHM: Young people are surrounded by a lot of information and knowledge; more than what they can deal with. With the various ways by which we get updated every day, especially the electronic media, our books, magazines, newspapers -- the world of print in general, has not lost its charm. We all still look up to authentic, unbiased, imaginative and creative write-ups from our favourite authors. This anxiousness that we always feel before getting hands on the magazine or book of our choice tells us that the magic of the written word has bewitched us since ages.
K: How long have you been living in Karachi? What would you say about Karachiites?
NHM: I've spent my entire childhood in Karachi. Therefore, I have lots of memories. I just can't think of living anywhere else. Karachiites have a lot of opportunities, more than the people of any other city. Whatever I'm today is just because of the opportunities available in this beautiful city. But I've learnt through experience that the people of Lahore and Islamabad read more than Karachiites. I receive hundreds of mails on weekly basis from Lahore and Islamabad showing their interest in writing for my magazine.
K: What's so special about Karachi?
NHM: Karachi is a city full of fun and places. There is an array of places that one can choose from. Being a metropolis, it is not much of a tourist spot but the busy life of this city won't bore you.
K: For all those who've never been to the city, which place would you like them to visit first?
NHM: The beaches! The most interesting aspect of the city are the beaches. Of course, then we have number of malls, coffee chops, restaurants, museums and mausoleums. The old buildings, monuments, and tombs in Karachi must be seen. These monuments and tombs depict the rich heritage and culture that the city has.
K: What's in store for the future?
NHM: Well I want to start a TV programme which I have conceptualised. That basically would be for the youth. It would be a youth-oriented counselling programme. The concept that only guys can be engineers and girls doctors does not exist anymore. Basically, I have decided to do two big projects every year.
--Photo by the writer
Coffee Craze in Karachi.The News International - Kolachi.
city
calling
Coffee craze in Karachi
Going out for coffee has become a favourite Karachi pastime over the last few years, which provides Karachiites with the chance to catch up with friends, gossip, or just sit back and relax
By Aqsa Hussain
Karachi has certainly something very unique about it apart from being the biggest Pakistani city. Karachiites appear to be nocturnal creatures with a never ending yen for fun. Be it a restaurant, a hotel, a fast food hangout, a coffee shop or a chai ka dhaba; Karachiites, especially the younger lot can be found hanging around at any given time of the day.
A few years back one would choose a place like Area 51 or Evolution for a little get together and downtime with friends. Over time though, preferences have changed and with the mushrooming of coffee places all over the city, Karachiites have found a new obsession. 'Going out for coffee' has become a familiar phrase and common phenomenon.
There is also the 'cool factor' attached to being a coffee freak. Coffee shops in Karachi provide a lovely atmosphere in which one can completely kick back and relax, albeit for a high price. Those who frequent coffee jaunts tend to find their pockets considerably lighter at the end of the day. But the cool comfort of these shops is worth the price one has to pay to enjoy it.
Coffee shops in Karachi attract all sorts of people. The morning crowd usually comprises of teenagers bunking school, or housewives trying to get over a chaotic morning. Lots of young professionals prefer to have informal meetings at these shops. One can also often spot the young and the broken-hearted, nursing their wounds and hashing their issues out over cups of coffee. There are those who sit aloof with a laptop for company and those who raise a little hell with their friends. It is not just the coffee that is attractive at coffee shops, the opportunity to people-watch is a great pull as well.
Being a Public Relations student, one benefits from these coffee shops at an academic level too. For answers to surveys, quotes and views of the public, coffee shops seem to be the best place to go. People more often than not smilingly answer all questions which is quite a confidence booster.
U and Me Coffee, Espresso, Costa Coffee, The Elbow Room, Indulge, Café Coffee Day, Cafe 9, Avenue Art, The Grapevine at the Pearl Continental hotel have successfully created a niche for themselves. Zamzama is of course flooded with cool coffee shops but areas like Tariq Road have coffee shops like Kahva and Roasters too.
"Coffee and sandwiches make a good meal to catch up over with friends," says Fariha smilingly as she walks into Costa Coffee with friends, "it beats inviting people over for dinner!"
Fariha feels coffee shops offer much more than just coffee. "They aren't just coffee shops, you see," she says, "they have everything. I come here to gossip with my buddies and have fun. For further motivation, the variety in their menu keeps me coming back for more!"
Interestingly, many Karachiites prefer dhabay ki chai over gourmet coffee. Rabya, a university student and aspiring journalist says, "tea is generally consumed more here, I would prefer to see more chai shops or dhabas than coffee houses."
A few tea lovers enjoy spending their time in open air dhabas at Nipa, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Nursery etc.
"The feeling at uncle's dhaba is inexplicable, the doodh-patti is amazing. I missed it a lot while I was in USA, nothing can taste better than this dhaba tea," says Adnan, sipping his favourite beverage at a dhaba near Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Adnan has recently come home from America and loves the fare offered by dhabas and thela walas. Coffee shops give him a feeling of being in a foreign land again. He can even go to a dhaba in his night suit, which he loves.
Romances often blossom at coffee shops, this brings to mind the lines: "Where lovers first love and then marry/ Where there is place for every Tom, Dick and Harry."
Zaid personifies these lines, as he sits at his favourite coffee shop, Espresso. "I've been to most of the coffee shops in town," he says, "but I love Espresso the best, as I have some fabulous memories attached to this place. I can sit here for hours without company as I find the atmosphere very romantic."
The city of lights with a throbbing night and a busy day life has a vibrant cultural life as well, which is widely appreciated by outside observers. Faiza Rehman, when asked why Karachiites embrace every trend so enthusiastically, especially the coffee craze, says, "Its difficult determine a generalized attitude because of the socio-economic disparities and cultures all thriving in one city." But it is because of this diversity that Karachiites adapt to everything easily. With so much happening in one city at the same time and everyone working hard to keep up with it, it is a blessing that Karachiites have coffee shops to bank on to help them unwind!
calling
Coffee craze in Karachi
Going out for coffee has become a favourite Karachi pastime over the last few years, which provides Karachiites with the chance to catch up with friends, gossip, or just sit back and relax
By Aqsa Hussain
Karachi has certainly something very unique about it apart from being the biggest Pakistani city. Karachiites appear to be nocturnal creatures with a never ending yen for fun. Be it a restaurant, a hotel, a fast food hangout, a coffee shop or a chai ka dhaba; Karachiites, especially the younger lot can be found hanging around at any given time of the day.
A few years back one would choose a place like Area 51 or Evolution for a little get together and downtime with friends. Over time though, preferences have changed and with the mushrooming of coffee places all over the city, Karachiites have found a new obsession. 'Going out for coffee' has become a familiar phrase and common phenomenon.
There is also the 'cool factor' attached to being a coffee freak. Coffee shops in Karachi provide a lovely atmosphere in which one can completely kick back and relax, albeit for a high price. Those who frequent coffee jaunts tend to find their pockets considerably lighter at the end of the day. But the cool comfort of these shops is worth the price one has to pay to enjoy it.
Coffee shops in Karachi attract all sorts of people. The morning crowd usually comprises of teenagers bunking school, or housewives trying to get over a chaotic morning. Lots of young professionals prefer to have informal meetings at these shops. One can also often spot the young and the broken-hearted, nursing their wounds and hashing their issues out over cups of coffee. There are those who sit aloof with a laptop for company and those who raise a little hell with their friends. It is not just the coffee that is attractive at coffee shops, the opportunity to people-watch is a great pull as well.
Being a Public Relations student, one benefits from these coffee shops at an academic level too. For answers to surveys, quotes and views of the public, coffee shops seem to be the best place to go. People more often than not smilingly answer all questions which is quite a confidence booster.
U and Me Coffee, Espresso, Costa Coffee, The Elbow Room, Indulge, Café Coffee Day, Cafe 9, Avenue Art, The Grapevine at the Pearl Continental hotel have successfully created a niche for themselves. Zamzama is of course flooded with cool coffee shops but areas like Tariq Road have coffee shops like Kahva and Roasters too.
"Coffee and sandwiches make a good meal to catch up over with friends," says Fariha smilingly as she walks into Costa Coffee with friends, "it beats inviting people over for dinner!"
Fariha feels coffee shops offer much more than just coffee. "They aren't just coffee shops, you see," she says, "they have everything. I come here to gossip with my buddies and have fun. For further motivation, the variety in their menu keeps me coming back for more!"
Interestingly, many Karachiites prefer dhabay ki chai over gourmet coffee. Rabya, a university student and aspiring journalist says, "tea is generally consumed more here, I would prefer to see more chai shops or dhabas than coffee houses."
A few tea lovers enjoy spending their time in open air dhabas at Nipa, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Nursery etc.
"The feeling at uncle's dhaba is inexplicable, the doodh-patti is amazing. I missed it a lot while I was in USA, nothing can taste better than this dhaba tea," says Adnan, sipping his favourite beverage at a dhaba near Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Adnan has recently come home from America and loves the fare offered by dhabas and thela walas. Coffee shops give him a feeling of being in a foreign land again. He can even go to a dhaba in his night suit, which he loves.
Romances often blossom at coffee shops, this brings to mind the lines: "Where lovers first love and then marry/ Where there is place for every Tom, Dick and Harry."
Zaid personifies these lines, as he sits at his favourite coffee shop, Espresso. "I've been to most of the coffee shops in town," he says, "but I love Espresso the best, as I have some fabulous memories attached to this place. I can sit here for hours without company as I find the atmosphere very romantic."
The city of lights with a throbbing night and a busy day life has a vibrant cultural life as well, which is widely appreciated by outside observers. Faiza Rehman, when asked why Karachiites embrace every trend so enthusiastically, especially the coffee craze, says, "Its difficult determine a generalized attitude because of the socio-economic disparities and cultures all thriving in one city." But it is because of this diversity that Karachiites adapt to everything easily. With so much happening in one city at the same time and everyone working hard to keep up with it, it is a blessing that Karachiites have coffee shops to bank on to help them unwind!
Let's study in the study . Youth Magazine.
Let's study in the study
The setting of the study room has a lot to do with the suitability of study time and mood of the student, writes Aqsa Hussain.
Study room is a room where students keep their books and homework and devote their time to studies and not fun and entertainment. Some students prefer completely quiet environment while studying whereas others find it boring to study in dead silence mode and hence they want to have some sound in background. The setting of the study room has a lot to do with the suitability of study time and mood of the student.
Theme and colour:
Light colours like green, light green, blue, creamy white, and white should be preferred over dark colours for the walls when it comes to decide for the study rooms. This is because light colours provide a cool and refreshing environment and a positive energy to study. Too much of black should be avoided. Students feel less burdened and calm after entering the room and can take a sigh of satisfaction and relaxation. Most of the stylish nerds prefer some beautiful art pieces for the roof to encourage the creativity in thoughts. Generation of new ideas is enhanced.
Fixing the fixtures:
It is proved from various studies that placement of study table in either east or north direction brings positive results to the students and it has to be made sure that study table is not placed against wall which can distract from concentrating on studies and it is often noticed that placing table against wall stopping the influx of fresh and creative ideas and growth of talent. It should rather have a solid wall behind that signifies support. Window should be on the left of the student sitting at the table. If there is no window then the door should be visible to the student sitting at the table. Remember, student's back shouldn't be to the door. Presence of fresh flowers on study table just energizes to work in a sweet and calm mood.
To give a more stylish and spacious look to the study rooms cabinets shouldn't be placed in the centre of the room but rather on sides. The best thing is to leave the centre of the study rooms empty to give a calm and spacious look. Computer set up and a drawing table are to be given special place in one side of the study room.
Shelves are very important in a study room as there is a need of a particular place to keep all the books and notes to prevent study table from being overloaded with heaps of books and other study stuff. Bookshelves should be placed on sides rather than above the study table, which tend to create an unnecessary stress on student's mind. Wall to wall book cases with scientific/fantasy/non-fiction books are considered to be favourite for the book worms who have tons of books and magazines.
Coffee table:
Foldable coffee table and cookie jars somewhere near study table are the essentials for teenagers today in their study rooms and are considered a sign of style apart from being important. Remember, not-so-near the study table. Oh yes, did I miss out stating the importance of mini fridge with diet Pepsi?
Enhance the environment:
Comfortable chair with high back is considered to be an ideal choice for studying purpose. Placement of picture that is symbolic of water behind the chair will increase the flow of creative energy. An international interior décor suggests placing a bamboo or a cactus plant in study room. Both grow in harsh conditions symbolize good fortune and placement of sharp leaved plants in this room will ward off harmful influences.
Placement of inspirational pictures, ideal personalities, rising sun or dove are very much recommended. Let me be very clear here and say that only 'inspirational' picture and not the pictures of film stars and wrestlers and musicians.
Turn on the lights:
For teenagers it is brightness which energizes them to study and work. Adequate artificial lighting is a must if natural light is not abundantly available in the room. Too many harsh and dingy and dim lights will bring negative results so they should be avoided.
Lamps have a great significance when it comes to make study rooms more attractive. A stylish lamp and an illuminating globe can add beauty to the study room and it brings energizing luck in education and helps in focusing on the task in hand.
Music too:
Study and music can go together, soothing and inspirational music for energizing the room and for effectiveness is good. Television in a study rooms does interrupt from concentrating on studies but music doesn't.
Celebrity Interview: Natasha Saleem. Youth Magazine.
Celebrity Interview: Natasha Saleem
Aqsa Hussain
Star: I'm actually on a cusp which makes me half Scorpio and half Libra - that has affected my personality too… well-balanced like Librans, passionate like Scorpions!
Date of birth: 23rd October
Favourite books: Tuesdays with Morrie, Five People You Meet in Heaven, The Kite Runner, Rumi's Poetry, Davinci Code, A Suitable Boy, He's Just not That Into You. So many more!
Favourite TV shows: Greys Anatomy, Heros, Desperate Housewives, OC, On tree hill, Veronica mars, Prison Break, Family guy, House, 24, Gillmore Girls... I know I'm missing some for sure!
Favourite political leader: (laughing) Now that's a thoughtful question…Well, I don't like to politicise entertainment. So for now, no one!
Uth: Music is a food for thought, mind, heart and soul. Since you're a VJ, I'm pretty excited to ask you your favourite music artist and which genre of music you like…
Natasha: Well yeah…music is something I can't live without. I listen to countless musicians, be it bands or solo artists, rock or pop, jazz or hip hop. I guess everything that's on my ipod… Favourite musicians' list is too long to mention here, but my favourites include… U2, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, The Wallflowers, Matchbox 20, Counting Crows, Cold Play, Linkin Park, Snow Patrol, Jewel, Sarah Mclachlan, Dido, John Mayer, Nelly Fertado, Maroon 5, Chris Daughtry, J.T a lot of stuff from A.R Rehman, Euphoria and a bunch of songs that I can dance on!
Locally I would include Nusrat Fateh Ali, Ali Zafar, Josh, Atif Aslam, Kaavish, MHB, Sajid and Zeeshan, Strings, Junoon, Noori, Call… I'm sure I'm missing out on so many more!
Uth: Natasha, tell us about your academic qualification.
Natasha: Oh yes, I'm qualified enough (laughs).…I did my O levels from Foundation Public School, A-Levels from The Lyceum and then went for a year to McGill University in Canada, came back and enrolled in an external program in Economics & Management with London School of Economics which is what my BSc. degree is in!
Uth: Your fans have always found you to be an interesting person always smiling and spreading smiles. What's the secret behind your lovely nature|?
Natasha: "Let the things we love be what we do. There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground'. That's pretty much my secret.
Uth: It would be very interesting for your fans to know about your childhood. Tell us what sort of a kid you were. Were you a crying baby, mama's baby or daddy's princess?
Natasha: *sigh* Man! Those days are worth a million days in heaven. Let me tell you, I really had an amazing childhood. I was daddy's princess and adored by all my aunts and I would spend most of my nights at my nani's place who lived right below our house, considered my mom to be my best friend and she still is.
Uth: Let's ask about your teen years. How were they like? Were you a social girl or a reserved person confined to her own circle of limited buddies?
Natasha: I had a zillion friends some of whom are still my best friends and in school we were the "popular gang" though if you get a chance to see my old pictures, you would find braces and frizzy hair! Eek! It's safe to say they were the happiest times of my life
Uth: Hey Natasha, let me ask about your biggest crush to date.
Natasha: Ahem... now that's a nice question (smiles) …Let me reveal it now…. Ok well….My biggest crush was Bon Jovi! My walls were full of his posters and I can't explain how obsessive I was, till I met him and when he hugged me my crush died away followed by a roaring laughter.
Uth: How did you join hands with The Muzik? Was it all accidental or you wanted to be a VJ?
Natasha: Hmm...Actually it all just happened. The Muzik people were looking for VJs and one of my friends wanted me to go along for moral support and when I showed up they asked me for an audition as well....and well here I am!
Uth: Karachi High or The Muzik, which one is more fun? Your fans found your character in Karachi High resembling to your real personality.
Natasha: Karachi High was a long long time ago and holds great memories for me but I would pick The Musik because it's such a huge project of which I am a part. As a VJ, I act myself but KH was all acting other characters which didn't resemble to my personality! Here in The Muzik, my team is like a family to me and while working, it holds great value for me.
Uth: Tell us something about your family. How many siblings do you have? How would you define your relationship with them?
Natasha: We're a small family. Just my mom, dad, brother and me. Ali is two years younger to me and he's my best friend. We share everything from relationship dilemmas to work issues and even though both of us work like crazy guys, I can't sleep if I don't get to talk to him. Whenever either of us travels, we end up buying more stuff for the other one. It's crazy but I love him the most in this world!
Uth: You mentioned in your previous interviews about your close relationship with your mother. What's so special about it since every child has a great relation with their mother?
Natasha: Like I mentioned, she's my best friend. She has seen the good days and the bad days and she knows all my secrets. In fact, she knows me better than myself. Our personalities are completely different we don't even share the same taste in things. I refuse to let her shop for me, but whatever she's seen in life and the way she's risen above, she's the strongest and the most beautiful woman I know and I can't imagine life without her.
Uth: How would you define fashion? Your favourite designer?
Natasha: Stuff that's trendy and sets it's own pace. I would hate to find somebody wearing what I already am or vice versa, so it needs to be unique enough. Favourite designers list is topped with Feeha Jamshed, she practically designs everything in my wardrobe and knows my style well.
Uth: We heard you're a shopaholic, your favourite place for shopping?
Natasha: Eeeeeee... I love shopping. Favourite place for shopping would be from itwar bazar to the streets of Bangkok or even from Zainab Market to the malls in Dubai, I don't discriminate when I shop ;)
Uth: What would you like to say about electronic media's explosion in past few years. How has it helped building up a great image of Pakistan abroad?
Natasha: The media boom has been fantastic in many ways and I think that with time the responsibility that comes with this freedom has also been realized. As far as my shows are concerned, the youth specially with their freedom of speech reflects ideologies and displays passion for something as artistic as mime or sketching sports like cricket and tennis, modeling, horse riding, salsa dancing, waterskiing and so much more!
Uth: How do you motivate yourself? Who is your inspiration in life?
Natasha: My relationship with God is what motivates me. I realize that everyone's life is different. From people to circumstances, situations and of course fate, everything is different. So for me, my only inspiration in life is the faith that I have.
Uth: What's the scope of this profession? Are artists financially stable?
Natasha: Personally speaking, it's amazing. Sky's the limit! You just need the talent and the brains to make the most out of it. With that and a little bit of luck, there's nothing you can't achieve
Uth: Let me ask you a close-ended question. Your favourite VJ? And why?
Natasha: Mahira, because she's natural and makes it look effortless.
Uth: What's the special thing in guys which makes them adorable…?
Natasha: "They make it easy for you to fall for them".
Uth: How would you define Life?
Natasha: "Undiscovered"
Uth: What words according to you can do justice in defining the beautiful feeling of love?
Natasha: Stability, understanding and a sheer desire to be with each other.
Uth: Five songs in your iPod?
Natasha: Tracy Chapman- The promise
Wallflowers- Closer to you
Sting- Fields of Gold
John Mayer- Slow dancing in a burning room
Smashing Pumpkins- Mellon collie and the infinite sadness
Uth: One big fear?
Natasha: Heights!
Uth: I would love to know what exactly you have in store for your fans.
Natasha: I'm not limiting myself to anything and there are a couple of things on my agenda. I'm traveling to Dubai for Girl Meets World and soon I'm going to start a brand new show that would be on air in May. From conceptualizing to producing and hosting, I have done it all. That show is like my baby and it's something I'm very excited about. Of course putting out work that adds value on and off screen is right on top of my priority list but there is still so much to do!
Uth: Message for young readers of YOUTH?
Natasha: You guys are doing a fantastic job and as for the youth of Pakistan, I'd say don't ever let anyone else dictate how you feel about yourself. Be true to who you are and what you feel. It's very most important!
SOL Team. Interview. Youth Magazine - Inspiring youth section.
SOL TEAM
By Aqsa Hussain.
For "Inspiring Youth" section this month, Youth Magazine has decided to bring its readers up close with the team of dedicated, young, significant and talented youngsters from SoL (School of Leadership), who not only have achieved a lot at this young age but are also working for the youth of Pakistan. All of them are working in their capacities to bring about positive thinking in Pakistani Youth and all they say is ,"If your vision is clear enough and your belief strong enough,
then achieving your dreams is just a formality. A.C.H.I.E.V.E it".
According to them, the youth desires for better advice on career, and all they need is correct direction. Once they're directed properly, they will end up reaching the sky of success
We reached SoL and were greeted ‘youthfully’ by its team. We were there with brilliant young, individuals and felt energetic to interview them. This was no typical interview, but a different one, that radiated spark, energy and light.
The Youth first approached Talha Iqbal
What's your designation here?
Talha (Confidently) - Young Leader: CEO - Leadership series.
Youth: How did you get in here?
Talha (very thoughtfully) – No matter what goes wrong but eventually everything does fall into its place. I remember back in 2002, I attended Young Leaders Conference, and amazingly realized about it. I said to myself, ‘This is it.’
I didn't think of any reason to attend it, but I was convinced about it. Perhaps, I had seen a poster at school, but miraculously I ended up here. You know what? When you're on your way to accomplishing goals and milestones, you come on fire, and the most powerful thing on this earth is human soul on fire. I attended the conference and fell in love with it. I was a typical bookworm then. In 2004, after completing my A-Levels, I started interning with the organization and this is where I’m now.
Youth: How has it all been, Talha?
Talha – Smiling. It has been a "wow"
Youth: You guys have this great exposure and on regular basis you interact with our youth for one program or another. What are the things you've found amazing in our Youth?
Talha - I believe our Youth has everything that can take them to heights. Believe me, everything! It's just the mindset, which has to turn towards a positive direction. The thing is, we never accentuate positive, but we always accentuate negative. We ought to attract positive. The challenges young people face these days are harder and challenging than the ones our parents faced. I think the more demands and constraints you have, the better is your performance.
Youth: Unfortunately there are class differences in our society; lower, middle, and elite. Which one of them you found more enthusiastic during your workshops and work?
Talha – Everyone is enthusiastic. Classes and differences are on how much money and influence you have. All men are of the same kind and everyone has the same amount of potential. If they get sufficient amount of learning, learning which suits their style, they'll do equally well.
Urooj also joined in the conversation to answer this important question.
Urooj - We don't discriminate. Everyone you see, almost everyone has potential and all are enthusiastic. All they need is positive mindset. Once they have it, they'll end up doing wonders.
Urooj Mazhar is a great individual with a very cute smile and loving personality; she tries her best to make you feel at ease while talking to her. One can find the true spirit of professionalism in her. Urooj has been given Youth Icon award by World Population Fund (WPF), which is in Islamabad.
Youth: What's your academic qualification and how did you join SoL?
Urooj (smiling brightly) - I graduated from IBM in 2005 with an MBA in Marketing and I wanted to pursue a corporate career. However, fate brought me here. I attended a conference in Thailand by UNDP on leadership in October 2005. I have also led the team for Beyond Beauty conference in February 2006. I really love my work here and it's an amazing experience. I hardly have time for other interests.
Youth: What according to you are the shortcomings in our youth?
Urooj - As I said earlier, it's all about having a positive mindset. Most of our youngsters find it bad to be recognized as Pakistanis. They actually ought to believe in themselves and trust their own capabilities, which will ultimately take them to heights.
Youth: What project are you working on these days?
Urooj - I'm currently working on a project “Extra-Corp”, which is basically all about empowering the physically and mentally challenged youth.
The conversation was turning out to be like a group discussion. And it became apparent that young blood brings fresh change to everything.
Youth: Have ever come across any criticism so far?
Talha (straightforwardly)- No.
Youth: What about Pakistan's image being negatively portrayed by media?
Talha - Basically the thing is we "Pakistanis" make our own image, our own perception. Most of youngsters don't feel proud about being Pakistanis. We ought to feel good about our country, ourselves and believe me "WOW" will happen.
The Youth then turned towards Shumaila Amin, a fun loving girl, who has been selected for the Oxfam International Youth Partnerships 2007 to 2010 and thus represented Pakistan at their youth meeting named “Kaleidoscope 2007” which took place in Sydney, Australia in October 2007.
She is currently working as an Associate for Leadership Series.
Youth: What's your academic qualification and how did you get in here?
Shumaila - I am a recent graduate from University of Karachi with a degree in Business Studies. Having attended YLC in 2006, I knew about School of Leadership and their work. After graduation I thought of taking a break from studies and it was then, when I heard about vacancy, applied for it and hence, finally got selected. I'm working with them and we're like family.
Youth: Are you a trainer?
Shumaila – No, I am not, but I'm attending TTYT, “Train The Young Trainers”, which is basically a training program to train young leaders. After doing that, yes I'll be a trainer InshaAllah.
Youth: Were you this much confident enough right from your childhood?
Shumaila (laughed) - I have been rebellious right from my childhood. I didn't want to live the way others do. I wanted to have my own identity and style rather than adopting someone else's. Normally people here are unable to accept the idea of someone who isn't exactly like them because the idea disturbs them and makes them question whether they're right. However, I simply believe on having my own views on everything and of course; I'm entitled to have them. Yeah, respecting everyone else's point of view comes in priority as well.
Youth: If you're given an opportunity to play one of your favourite character, which character whould it be?
Shumaila - It would be the character of “Fatima Jinnah” in “Jinnah se Quaid”. I simply admire the ladies who worked really hard with great leadership skills and have made their own identity in history.
SoL focuses on developing leadership among youth of our country. The Youth could not resist asking what these people thought of a Leader.
Youth: What according to you is the definition of a Leader?
Talha - It's not that if you have follower ship or you can command then you can be called as a leader. Everyone in his or her own capacity is a leader. You're a leader; you're leading your life. Manager is a leader too because he manages.
Shumaila - Well, It's not that if someone has a follower ship or has an influence over people is a leader. I mean if a person guides you or suggests you, he's a leader. Everyone's a leader. It's just that you've to treat people as if they were what they ought to be and just help them to become what they are capable of being. Everyone is capable of achieving anything. And yes, leader is the one who instead of following has this ability to set up new rules and follow them and make others follow as well.
Youth: One criticism that comes your way is in your workshops you people just talk, highlight the importance of leadership and other important things related to it, and take your own way.
Talha(very passionately) - The reason what I’m doing is just because of the "batein", the talks. There must have been something in those talks, which kept me here with all my sincerity. It's just a "baat"(talk) at the very beginning; it further has to be translated into implementation. You see, "Uexcel" started off with an idea. We thought young people can't afford it and there is a problem in accessibility so why not involve some sponsor and go to universities. It was just an idea and it did translate into it. It was all about redirecting and reshaping youngsters' lives and bring them into the process of developing healthy economy.
The Youth then focused on Sana Nizamani who is a YLC Champ. She is also a trainer and has worked with various government and private organizations.
YLC (Young Leaders Conference), which is held every year, is a gathering of young leaders aged 18 to 24 from all over the world.
Youth: Hey Sana, tell is something about YLC Champ?
Sana (calmly) - Champ is a person who basically runs every program regarding Young Leaders Conference. Everything has to be executed properly. Prime responsibility is to design and run everything. The champ has to take care of everything, from designing to fund-raising. For me it's an amazing learning experience. Every year there's a new person running it.
Youth: Let our young leaders know about how to be a part of YLC?
Sana - What you do is visit our site first and register yourself. By doing that we'll have your database saved. We'll contact you then. Also visit our financial page on YLC site, it will tell you about raising funds if you're unable to pay conference amount. You can contact different companies for sponsorships as well. It's a very interesting process and you'll end up learning a lot.
Youth: How can one be a part of SoL?
Sana – Well, while running any project if a project leader feels the need of some volunteer to work for him, he informs office members and can pick from them. Incase, if everyone's busy we announce it on either the site or email and contact the ones who contacted us before and showed a desire to work for SoL. For one month s/he voluntarily works for SoL. On the basis of their performance then, we call them for a job interview.
Youth: How has your experience been working under dynamic leadership of Shireen Naqvi?
Shumaila – It has been great. Shireen apa values an idea. There's no concept of strong or weak idea. It's just an idea, which she values and works to make it a success.
Youth: Any message to Youth?
Talha – Accentuate positive and you'll do wonders. Young people are so much valuable and our work is of great responsibility. We say, "Change has to happen and it will"!
Shumaila - Youth in our society has a lot of potential and passion, all they need is direction. If all of us as young people decide to make a positive impact on the society in our own individual capacities, then I believe we can take our country to great heights!
The team at SoL has accomplished themselves as bright and talented individuals who are contributing to our ailing society. The best part is that they do not wish to stop here and want to involve more and more people so that a chain of change unfolds.
We wish them best of luck.
Bushra Ansari's Interview. Youth Magazine.
Interview : Bushra Ansari
By Aqsa Hussain.
I never had an idea that I would be more than welcomed with a beautiful smile by Bushra appa when I approached her for an interview. In spite of her very tough schedule, she managed to take out time declaring that it's very bad to ignore young aspirants. Bushra appa possesses amusing personality; she never let me get bored for even a second and made each second filled with lots of smiles and laughter. Her ultimate sense of humor is something that has taken her to heights. Apart from being a great comedian, singer and writer, inside Bushra Ansari is present a very loving and caring mother which I explored during interviewing her. "It's great to raise kids" says Bushra Ansari. Basic thing that she wants to be present in every kid or young adult is ethics and morals, and this is what she always tried to penetrate in her daughters which she successfully did. Let's find what else she reveals in this exclusive interview with Youth Magazine.
UTH: Which person in your life has motivated you and is your ideal?
BA: I was motivated and inspired by my father. He is no more in this world but he was a great man with an amazing personality. I never knew that he is the one whom I idealized but after his demise, I realized that my father was the one whom I drew my strength from and learned a lot. He suffered a lot due to his career but never gave up and continued to struggle. He was a great patriot and loved his country dearly.
UTH: Being the daughter of a journalist, how do you see the modern journalism and the way our news channels tend to make mole hole out of things?
BA: You're right to an extent. Present TV channels portray everything BIG. Even a small issue is elaborated. However, that is the same throughout the world. For example, when the new millennium started Western media made it such a big issue that no more computer systems would be working, all data will be removed, this will happen, that will happen, and you see nothing really happened.
Similarly in Pakistan media elaborates everything and it's good for several reasons. For example, take the case of the Chief Justice, the media was hailing him as a national hero. Previously, incidents used to take place but then everybody would forget, and lived lives in peace, because it was not discussed over and over again, but now due to the influx of so many channels the same thing is repeated again and again. I believe that everything should be moderate, so that it does not infuriate people. I think explosion of media has also helped Pakistani nation expose itself positively to modern world.
UTH: Tell us something about your mother?
BA: My mom was a very simple and sweet lady, brave wife and a loving mother. Although she was not well educated like my father but still she helped him in his every work. She was his best friend and always stood by him in his good and bad times. She helped him in almost everything. And you know what, it was only before the wedding that my father went to the salon for hair cut but after marriage, my mom used to trim his hair and even helped him in dressing himself. I learned a lot from her, which has helped me throughout my life.
UTH: As a mother what role did you play in raising your daughters? Did you ever feel the need for a son?
BA: No, I am contended as a mother of two daughters. I don't desire for a boy as both my sons-in-law are very nice, caring and loving. I have an adorable grandson who illuminates my life like a little angel. I'm a proud grandmother.
UTH: Tell us something about your relationship with your daughters.
BA: I have always been very lenient and understanding with my daughters and they have never made me angry or disobeyed me. I tried my level best to provide them with everything that responsible parents should. And by the grace of Almighty my daughters never disappointed me in anyway. Parents should actually not monitor their children every minute and make it difficult for them to live their lives independently. I believe in today's modern age, parents should develop a friendly relation with kids with a lot of understanding.
UTH: How have you inculcated moral values in your children?
BA: Mother shouldn't act like a Hitler but a friend. A friend with whom a child, daughter or son can share everything. The basic thing is ethics and morals. To me, if a parent successfully teaches his kids to be courteous enough even with servants, the parent is successful. Both my daughters are mashaAllah happily married. Moral values are not just a matter of talking to boys, hanging around with them etc. Parents should actually inculcate the basic rules inside their minds and don't let them disobey those rules.
UTH: What would you like to say about today's mother and Pakistani women?
BA: There are mothers who have sacrificed their lives for their children and husband. They actually aren't acknowledged and are not in limelight. Today's mother is of course as brave and courageous as she was ever before. I myself learned cooking despite being a known personality. There's just a little need to be patient because today's young lot has to be nurtured very carefully and intelligently. Still in some rural areas a woman is treated as a commodity, in spite of scarifying everything, her sacrifices are taken for granted which really hurts at times.
UTH: Coming towards contemporary drams, we still have Bushra Ansari, Shakeel, Durdana Butt, Uncle Sargum but why don't we get to see dramas like “Aangan Terha”, Tanhiyan”, “Tanhayaan”, “Hawain”, “Shezori” and programs like “Kaliyan”, “Fifty Fifty” now? We only had a big sitcom “Family Front”, but it also had artificial laughter to support the script.
BA: Well baita you see we are here but times have changed and so do our priorities. We did it once and are doing different stuff now. One gets bored of doing same stuff. Now it's up to new people, new lot to take it further and try and create nice comic stuff for viewers.
UTH: According to you what steps should be taken to revive the class of drama that we previously had?
BA: Our media needs a drastic change. A committee should be made which shouldn't let substandard quality programs go on air. There are certain Indian soaps going on air, which I really abhor. There should be a restriction or a specific policy following standards, on media. Not everything can be shown on television. Violence and vulgarity should not be shown on television. “Mehndi waley haath” and “Kajal” on Geo should be banned for ever. Those drams have no sense. Similarly ARY also copies Indian soap operas. Our old dramas were so decent that families could comfortably watch it.
UTH: Your favorite drama these days?
BA: I liked “Maney na yeh dil”, a drama serial which just concluded.
UTH: Did you ever feel the desire of working in films?
BA: “No never”. And why? I believe whatever a person does, he wants to do it respectfully and respect is the ultimate thing which a person wants to earn in every profession. Money and fame come next. I really don't think the way our film industry is, I can ever get respect and fame in positive terms by working in movies.
UTH: We do not give respect to our film actresses? What do you think is the reason behind that?
BA: Hmm... well our film actresses are not mature and well-educated. The main reason behind a composed and sensible personality is of course education which makes a person able enough to deal with media intelligently. It's not all about being straight forward and speak anything you want without even thinking it can harm your image as a professional actor. Our actresses badly need to realize that. However, I've found Reema to be a very sensible person. She knows what she speaks and that is what has made her do wonders.
UTH: Your favorite shopping place?
BA: Well there are many shopping arenas I like to shop from. Dubai is good. I found Bangkok very nice. I usually visit Dubai for shopping when I'm free.
UTH: Which is your favorite Book and who is your favorite writer?
BA: I like Shahab Nama by Qudrat ul Shahab's but my favorite writer is Bano Qudsia. I like her writing stuff very much.
To change the mood, I asked few question regarding music and singers.
UTH: Your favorite singer?
BA: All songs of Noor Jahan, Reshma, Lata, Aasha. As long as it is melodious and soulful with semi classical music and excellent vocals, I like it.
UTH: What are your future plans?
BA: I'm not much interested in doing a whole bunch of things simultaneously; basically I'm more into quality stuff. Quantity comes next or stands nowhere. I am doing my own talk show Brunch with Bushra. I have written a comic drama serial, planning for a serious one as well. That's it. I don't do long term planning.
UTH: Any international shooting plan?
BA: No. Not really for shooting drama. I will visit some country either America or any other for shows, but not for shooting purpose. I have limited my work. I am just focusing on quality stuff which I always have preferred throughout my career.
UTH: Which is your favorite movie?
BA: Baita currently I don't have any favorite movie as everything changes with the passage of time. But I liked Sangeeta's movie “MUTTHI BHAR CHAWAL”. I think it was a good movie, comparatively well-directed and carried a nice message.
She was rapid with the answers and I was trying to be quick with our questions. I further inquired about her age,
UTH: What's your age?
BA: Aii Haii ye kya pooch lya tum ney... (Laughs)...I've achieved a lot mashaAllah and don't hesitate in revealing the reality that I've reached at the age of 50 years.
UTH: Any message for the youngsters?
BA: Life is too demanding in future. It's becoming very challenging day by day. It's not about always working hard and anticipating desired result. Life and everything else is just too fast and youngsters ought to be not only mentally but physically fit. They should make themselves like a strengthened rock inside out. Getting success is good but being healthy enough to enjoy your success is something extremely important. Try and concentrate on your physical health to enjoy life.
By Aqsa Hussain.
I never had an idea that I would be more than welcomed with a beautiful smile by Bushra appa when I approached her for an interview. In spite of her very tough schedule, she managed to take out time declaring that it's very bad to ignore young aspirants. Bushra appa possesses amusing personality; she never let me get bored for even a second and made each second filled with lots of smiles and laughter. Her ultimate sense of humor is something that has taken her to heights. Apart from being a great comedian, singer and writer, inside Bushra Ansari is present a very loving and caring mother which I explored during interviewing her. "It's great to raise kids" says Bushra Ansari. Basic thing that she wants to be present in every kid or young adult is ethics and morals, and this is what she always tried to penetrate in her daughters which she successfully did. Let's find what else she reveals in this exclusive interview with Youth Magazine.
UTH: Which person in your life has motivated you and is your ideal?
BA: I was motivated and inspired by my father. He is no more in this world but he was a great man with an amazing personality. I never knew that he is the one whom I idealized but after his demise, I realized that my father was the one whom I drew my strength from and learned a lot. He suffered a lot due to his career but never gave up and continued to struggle. He was a great patriot and loved his country dearly.
UTH: Being the daughter of a journalist, how do you see the modern journalism and the way our news channels tend to make mole hole out of things?
BA: You're right to an extent. Present TV channels portray everything BIG. Even a small issue is elaborated. However, that is the same throughout the world. For example, when the new millennium started Western media made it such a big issue that no more computer systems would be working, all data will be removed, this will happen, that will happen, and you see nothing really happened.
Similarly in Pakistan media elaborates everything and it's good for several reasons. For example, take the case of the Chief Justice, the media was hailing him as a national hero. Previously, incidents used to take place but then everybody would forget, and lived lives in peace, because it was not discussed over and over again, but now due to the influx of so many channels the same thing is repeated again and again. I believe that everything should be moderate, so that it does not infuriate people. I think explosion of media has also helped Pakistani nation expose itself positively to modern world.
UTH: Tell us something about your mother?
BA: My mom was a very simple and sweet lady, brave wife and a loving mother. Although she was not well educated like my father but still she helped him in his every work. She was his best friend and always stood by him in his good and bad times. She helped him in almost everything. And you know what, it was only before the wedding that my father went to the salon for hair cut but after marriage, my mom used to trim his hair and even helped him in dressing himself. I learned a lot from her, which has helped me throughout my life.
UTH: As a mother what role did you play in raising your daughters? Did you ever feel the need for a son?
BA: No, I am contended as a mother of two daughters. I don't desire for a boy as both my sons-in-law are very nice, caring and loving. I have an adorable grandson who illuminates my life like a little angel. I'm a proud grandmother.
UTH: Tell us something about your relationship with your daughters.
BA: I have always been very lenient and understanding with my daughters and they have never made me angry or disobeyed me. I tried my level best to provide them with everything that responsible parents should. And by the grace of Almighty my daughters never disappointed me in anyway. Parents should actually not monitor their children every minute and make it difficult for them to live their lives independently. I believe in today's modern age, parents should develop a friendly relation with kids with a lot of understanding.
UTH: How have you inculcated moral values in your children?
BA: Mother shouldn't act like a Hitler but a friend. A friend with whom a child, daughter or son can share everything. The basic thing is ethics and morals. To me, if a parent successfully teaches his kids to be courteous enough even with servants, the parent is successful. Both my daughters are mashaAllah happily married. Moral values are not just a matter of talking to boys, hanging around with them etc. Parents should actually inculcate the basic rules inside their minds and don't let them disobey those rules.
UTH: What would you like to say about today's mother and Pakistani women?
BA: There are mothers who have sacrificed their lives for their children and husband. They actually aren't acknowledged and are not in limelight. Today's mother is of course as brave and courageous as she was ever before. I myself learned cooking despite being a known personality. There's just a little need to be patient because today's young lot has to be nurtured very carefully and intelligently. Still in some rural areas a woman is treated as a commodity, in spite of scarifying everything, her sacrifices are taken for granted which really hurts at times.
UTH: Coming towards contemporary drams, we still have Bushra Ansari, Shakeel, Durdana Butt, Uncle Sargum but why don't we get to see dramas like “Aangan Terha”, Tanhiyan”, “Tanhayaan”, “Hawain”, “Shezori” and programs like “Kaliyan”, “Fifty Fifty” now? We only had a big sitcom “Family Front”, but it also had artificial laughter to support the script.
BA: Well baita you see we are here but times have changed and so do our priorities. We did it once and are doing different stuff now. One gets bored of doing same stuff. Now it's up to new people, new lot to take it further and try and create nice comic stuff for viewers.
UTH: According to you what steps should be taken to revive the class of drama that we previously had?
BA: Our media needs a drastic change. A committee should be made which shouldn't let substandard quality programs go on air. There are certain Indian soaps going on air, which I really abhor. There should be a restriction or a specific policy following standards, on media. Not everything can be shown on television. Violence and vulgarity should not be shown on television. “Mehndi waley haath” and “Kajal” on Geo should be banned for ever. Those drams have no sense. Similarly ARY also copies Indian soap operas. Our old dramas were so decent that families could comfortably watch it.
UTH: Your favorite drama these days?
BA: I liked “Maney na yeh dil”, a drama serial which just concluded.
UTH: Did you ever feel the desire of working in films?
BA: “No never”. And why? I believe whatever a person does, he wants to do it respectfully and respect is the ultimate thing which a person wants to earn in every profession. Money and fame come next. I really don't think the way our film industry is, I can ever get respect and fame in positive terms by working in movies.
UTH: We do not give respect to our film actresses? What do you think is the reason behind that?
BA: Hmm... well our film actresses are not mature and well-educated. The main reason behind a composed and sensible personality is of course education which makes a person able enough to deal with media intelligently. It's not all about being straight forward and speak anything you want without even thinking it can harm your image as a professional actor. Our actresses badly need to realize that. However, I've found Reema to be a very sensible person. She knows what she speaks and that is what has made her do wonders.
UTH: Your favorite shopping place?
BA: Well there are many shopping arenas I like to shop from. Dubai is good. I found Bangkok very nice. I usually visit Dubai for shopping when I'm free.
UTH: Which is your favorite Book and who is your favorite writer?
BA: I like Shahab Nama by Qudrat ul Shahab's but my favorite writer is Bano Qudsia. I like her writing stuff very much.
To change the mood, I asked few question regarding music and singers.
UTH: Your favorite singer?
BA: All songs of Noor Jahan, Reshma, Lata, Aasha. As long as it is melodious and soulful with semi classical music and excellent vocals, I like it.
UTH: What are your future plans?
BA: I'm not much interested in doing a whole bunch of things simultaneously; basically I'm more into quality stuff. Quantity comes next or stands nowhere. I am doing my own talk show Brunch with Bushra. I have written a comic drama serial, planning for a serious one as well. That's it. I don't do long term planning.
UTH: Any international shooting plan?
BA: No. Not really for shooting drama. I will visit some country either America or any other for shows, but not for shooting purpose. I have limited my work. I am just focusing on quality stuff which I always have preferred throughout my career.
UTH: Which is your favorite movie?
BA: Baita currently I don't have any favorite movie as everything changes with the passage of time. But I liked Sangeeta's movie “MUTTHI BHAR CHAWAL”. I think it was a good movie, comparatively well-directed and carried a nice message.
She was rapid with the answers and I was trying to be quick with our questions. I further inquired about her age,
UTH: What's your age?
BA: Aii Haii ye kya pooch lya tum ney... (Laughs)...I've achieved a lot mashaAllah and don't hesitate in revealing the reality that I've reached at the age of 50 years.
UTH: Any message for the youngsters?
BA: Life is too demanding in future. It's becoming very challenging day by day. It's not about always working hard and anticipating desired result. Life and everything else is just too fast and youngsters ought to be not only mentally but physically fit. They should make themselves like a strengthened rock inside out. Getting success is good but being healthy enough to enjoy your success is something extremely important. Try and concentrate on your physical health to enjoy life.
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