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.
Friday, May 30, 2008
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.
The Atif versus Jal debates rage on. The News International - Instep Today
The Atif versus Jal debates rage on
Aqsa Hussain
Karachi
Even though the 'Jal and Atif Aslam' controversy might be resting somewhere in the fossils of music history by now, it has been unearthed once again, as both musicians have released albums simultaneously. Jal released Boondh a couple of weeks before Atif's Meri Kahani hit the stands and both albums are featuring videos on music channels.
That calls for comparison and though both Atif and Jal are denying that there is any reason to be compared, their fans are going crazy - feuding over whose album is better. While Atif and Jal both appear to be unfazed by each other's popularity, fans are ready to compare them once again. Jal came out with the artistically directed video of 'Sajni' by Bilal Lashari and Atif took the competition a step further and went on to release two videos, 'Meri Kahani' and 'Hungami Halaat'. Now Jal are planning to shoot their next two videos in India while Bilal Lashari is ready to release another Atif track. The race between the two is mind boggling; here's what fans have to say about them...
"The youth's voice is Atif and Jal is going nowhere," says Mehroz Siraj (a self proclaimed music freak and freelance journalist) when asked who he thought represented the voice of the youth since 'Aadat' is still considered to be an anthem of today's generation. "Atif is better on all counts for a variety of reasons. His music has far more vocal and musical diversity than Jal. Jalpari, Doorie and Meri Kahani just show that Atif's voice and music can cater to more than one of its genres. This means communicating your message to more people having different cultural affiliations and achieving renewed commercial success in different markets".
Mehroze adds that Farhan (of Jal) and Atif Aslam are two very talented yet different artists and vocally, Farhan is just as good as Atif.
"The tracks he has sung - 'Woh Lamhey' and 'Bikhra Hoon' - are just as good as Atif's version. But Jal is at a disadvantage because Farhan and Goher don't have the musical chemistry that existed between Ali Azmat and Salman (Junoon), Faisal and Bilal (Strings) or Shafqat and Shallum (Fuzon). The existence of this musical chemistry, I think, determines the overall musical diversity and commercial success of a band," adds Mehroz.
"I wonder why Atif is being given much more promotion than Jal when their promoters are the same," comments Tajwar Sultana a university student, while others feel that it doesn't make a difference.
"I believe Atif is more hippity hoppity while Jal's music is mature," opines Fatimah Zakir, another university student. "Their videos are definitely better. Atif has unexpectedly paid attention to local directors this time, instead of opting for Indian stuff. And this has ultimately made people realize the talent in Pakistani music directors like Bilal Lashari. But as far as sound is concerned both Atif and Jal have their different feel. Previously because of the same songs we could have compared the two but now you can't just compare because they have different lyrics, different compositions and different moods. But I feel Jal's music has more depth."
Others remin in the thrall of the Atif spell.
"After 'Hungami Halaat', Atif has got a new fan in me. I just loved his song; he keeps surprising us by his delightful work," says Hira Arsalan, student and fan of Atif Aslam.
Faiza Rehman, an A level student says, "I think Jal have done a better job because their video has great artistic and creative sophistication. Juggun looks no less than a Hollywood actor. Atif's 'Meri Kahani' is average and 'Hungami Halaat' is cool but then again, the video is just too good for Atif's song. I think there shouldn't be discordance between the theme of the songs and that of the videos."
Rameez Asif who proudly calls himself a rock music lover comments, "Well, I've listened to both the albums and when it comes to comparing them, I would say Atif has an edge for experimenting as a pop artist. Ali Zafar has been in the scene for a long time but he hasn't done a single track like 'Hungami Halaat' or 'Yaaro'. You see, cheesy pop artists don't play with their vocals but Atif has done it for a change".
Zara Farooqi has this to say, "I prefer Jal because they've just come out with their new video which is original and moving. The execution completely took me by surprise. The musical composition is great too. Atif's music has become just too awami. Most of his videos just have girls prancing about and it is really like he has sold himself to India. Oh well, I don't give credit to Atif for 'Hungami Halaat'; that song is popular because the video is good and credit goes to Bilal Lashari for that."
"I think many of the girls have a rush of adrenaline when they see Atif Aslam," comments under-graduate Arfat Ali Junejo. "But I feel his style is just too monotonous and so is the case with Jal. Jal's new album lacks any extraordinary music, which was what they had been boasting about for over a year. They have just disappointed their listeners. The only good thing is that Lashari has emerged as an intelligent director."
"Reminiscing childhood glimpses in 'Meri Kahani' isn't a big deal. Where's the creativity?" asks Farhat, a college student.
"Both musicians have a tendency to stand out. I'm not suspecting their abilities as good musicians but yeah, it seems they are still immature and need time to understand what's right and what's wrong. Goher Mumtaz provided Jalaholics with an exceptional video which is a refreshing addition and the video has carried Jal's image pretty fantastically," Sifat Ali points out.
"I think the heavy graphics and violence in the 'Sajini' video do not do justice to the song's beautiful lyrics," disagrees Uzma. "I think a video with a softer theme would have been a better idea. And I think Atif Aslam is too loud in 'Hungami Halaat'. I prefer Jal."
A strain of fans do like the softer side of Atif and Jal, while others love the edgy Bilal Lashari videos.
Fazeel Ahmed believes, "I like Jal and Atif's music but the common factor in their videos is of course Bilal Lashari, who has made awesome videos. He's been dopping in with creativity and a lot of technicality".
"Atif Aslam's Doorie sucked big time," says Ayesha. "You tell me what was so different in it other than Indian thumka style music? Why make flashy and expensive videos when the music and composition isn't strong. A video has to carry the image of the band and the song and even the 'Sajni' video is just too good for the song and band itself. Let's see how long these guys survive. Our Pakistani bands really ought to try something new. Only good looking models can make the audience watch these songs. Once they get bored of watching the video, the name of the band and the song's recognition won't even exist."
"'Hungami Halaat' is unusual where as 'Sajni's' comcept is a copy of Meatloaf's 'I Would Do Anything for Love.' The song's composition and the video don't go together because the tempo of the track was just too slow for such a dramatic video," feels Rameez Asif.
"I don't know why Atif has dimmed his voice in this album and I liked the whole album except for 'Hungami Halaat', however the lyrics and the execution of the video is just too awesome," says Khansa Junejo.
Amna Ameer finds Farhan's voice quality much better than Atif's. She thinks Atif often goes off tune which often destroys the mood of the song.
Meena Ahmed likes Atif more than she likes Jal because Atif has a strong and masculine voice and his songs offer variety where as Jal doesn't have any strong musical base. Their music is all the same, nothing new. Just listen to 'Teri Yaad', and 'Sajni'. According to her Goher hasn't sung 'Humain Itna Pyar' so well and Farhan could have done a far better job. But in a very patriotic way, she adds that they both rock because they are Pakistani and these short comings will only encourage them to improve.
Haya Fatima Iqbal says, "Jal's first album had awesome sound quality where as Atif produced a hasty album with no good quality. But over the years it is Jal that has now gone in the background and Atif has improved a lot and is in limelight. He uses his voice for all sorts of songs - fast ones, slow songs, melodious songs and even Kishore Kumar songs. Oh did I mention I loved 'Hungami Halaat'?"
Hafsa Junejo, a music lover, likes Jal's album and their 'Sajni' video. Hafsa finds Jal's music melodious and soothing. "In Jal's album you have 'Dhamal' and other upbeat songs where as I can't find any melodious element in Atif's album. I find it so loud."
The Atif versus Jal debates are raging on and it's fun to lend an ear to them. In the absence of anything major happening in the music scene, comparing Jal and Atif seems to have become a favourite pastime of Pakistan's many pop addicts. In the final analysis it must be said that Jal and Atif have provided music listeners with different styles of music and undoubtedly their music has matured a lot. After Atif's commercial hit Doorie, (which disappointed music fans in Pakistan big time) Meri Kahani is a breath of fresh air to everyone who likes Atif's pure music and style without any Bollywood flavour.
Boondh - A Drop of Jal has proven Goher's skills as a great musician and Farhan has not only sung well in this album but has penned lyrics as well. Jal and Atif both follow different music genres soft-rock and rock, and have provided their listeners with a variety of music. Instead of one talented outfit, we now get two. And for a nation that loves a bargain, that should be good enough.
Gohar Mumtaz of Jal speaks out on new album. The News International Instep Today.
SOUNDBYTES
"Our new album Boondh is
complete and is all set to release right after Ramazan."
--Gohar Mumtaz of Jal speaks out on new album and Atif Aslam's Doorie
Aqsa Hussain
Karachi
For three years, Jal has been working on a new album. But in the last few months, Jal completely moved out of the limelight. Meanwhile their nemesis Atif delivered a chart-topping album Doorie and even walked away with a Lux Style Award for Best Music Album. But Jal are unfazed by his popularity. In this candid chat with Instep Today, Gohar Mumtaz reveals more on their upcoming video, album and more…
Instep Today: Where have you guys been? There have been no Jal concerts, videos...
Gohar Mumtaz: Actually we've been working on our new album. It is called Boondh. It's been three years since the release of Aadat, so we don't want our fans to wait for too long anymore. We have been working on Boondh rigorously to produce good quality music. That's the reason why we haven't been doing any concerts for the last five months. Thankfully our album is complete and is all set to release right after Ramazan. We are planning to release it in Pakistan and from India it will be internatonally released. Our first video off the new album will be called 'Sajni' and it has been directed by Bilal Lashari. It is currently in post production process but it should be out soon. We released the ballad 'Payal' on the internet, which was widely appreciated.
Instep Today: How is Boondh going to challenge all the hype that Atif Aslam's Doorie has created?
Gohar Mumtaz: Doorie totally sounds like an Indian album. Our music is band style music which is definitely different from Doorie and unique as well. In simple terms, we can't compare our album to Doorie. You can't compare Indian-ised remixes with our music. As far as handling the hype that Doorie has created, I guess I'll leave it to our fans. They'll decide.
We have kept our fans waiting for three years so yes, we definitely have something new planned out for them. If we had come with the same type of music, it wouldn't have been worth the wait.
Instep Today: People still compare Atif and Farhan. Who is the best singer?
Gohar Mumtaz: We can't compare voices of these two singers. Both are different in their own special ways. Farhan can't sing like Atif and vice versa. Even I can't sing like Atif (laughs). In our new album, people will get to listen to more mature and more improved vocals from Farhan, and I must say the way he has sung 'Payal' is fantastic. The voice came directly from his heart.
Instep Today: The one criticism that has always come your way is that Jal's music gets monotonous. Your take on it?
Gohar Mumtaz: Actually this is our style. In our last album we had songs like 'Aadat', 'Woh Lamhey', 'Teri Yaad', 'Bikhra Hoon Main' and 'Dil Haarey'. All were sad songs with slow music and compositions. I guess some people got bored listening to it. But if we'd changed it and made all those tracks faster, it would've been totally freakish! In this album, we'll be carrying our same image, that is sober but with a difference and at the same time, the music will be a bit faster this time around. The variation which fans are looking will probably be seen and heard in this album. In fact we have two very ajeeb songs in this album!
Instep Today: Will Jal be making videos in India like Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar and Haroon?
Gohar Mumtaz: I guess there isn't any harm in going to India and getting videos made there, provided they are good, but personally I think the video quality in Pakistan is very good. We do have some plans but let's not disclose them just yet. Let it remain a surprise. We will be touring India soon and other performers will include Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. This will be after Ramzan and by then our album will be out here.
Instep Today: Any message for your fans?
Gohar Mumtaz: I would just like to say that we are really sorry for making you wait for such a long time. We didn't want you to wait for so long but I promise it is worth the wait. You'll get to listen to more good quality music from Jal, which will really prove something. Inshallah.
"Our new album Boondh is
complete and is all set to release right after Ramazan."
--Gohar Mumtaz of Jal speaks out on new album and Atif Aslam's Doorie
Aqsa Hussain
Karachi
For three years, Jal has been working on a new album. But in the last few months, Jal completely moved out of the limelight. Meanwhile their nemesis Atif delivered a chart-topping album Doorie and even walked away with a Lux Style Award for Best Music Album. But Jal are unfazed by his popularity. In this candid chat with Instep Today, Gohar Mumtaz reveals more on their upcoming video, album and more…
Instep Today: Where have you guys been? There have been no Jal concerts, videos...
Gohar Mumtaz: Actually we've been working on our new album. It is called Boondh. It's been three years since the release of Aadat, so we don't want our fans to wait for too long anymore. We have been working on Boondh rigorously to produce good quality music. That's the reason why we haven't been doing any concerts for the last five months. Thankfully our album is complete and is all set to release right after Ramazan. We are planning to release it in Pakistan and from India it will be internatonally released. Our first video off the new album will be called 'Sajni' and it has been directed by Bilal Lashari. It is currently in post production process but it should be out soon. We released the ballad 'Payal' on the internet, which was widely appreciated.
Instep Today: How is Boondh going to challenge all the hype that Atif Aslam's Doorie has created?
Gohar Mumtaz: Doorie totally sounds like an Indian album. Our music is band style music which is definitely different from Doorie and unique as well. In simple terms, we can't compare our album to Doorie. You can't compare Indian-ised remixes with our music. As far as handling the hype that Doorie has created, I guess I'll leave it to our fans. They'll decide.
We have kept our fans waiting for three years so yes, we definitely have something new planned out for them. If we had come with the same type of music, it wouldn't have been worth the wait.
Instep Today: People still compare Atif and Farhan. Who is the best singer?
Gohar Mumtaz: We can't compare voices of these two singers. Both are different in their own special ways. Farhan can't sing like Atif and vice versa. Even I can't sing like Atif (laughs). In our new album, people will get to listen to more mature and more improved vocals from Farhan, and I must say the way he has sung 'Payal' is fantastic. The voice came directly from his heart.
Instep Today: The one criticism that has always come your way is that Jal's music gets monotonous. Your take on it?
Gohar Mumtaz: Actually this is our style. In our last album we had songs like 'Aadat', 'Woh Lamhey', 'Teri Yaad', 'Bikhra Hoon Main' and 'Dil Haarey'. All were sad songs with slow music and compositions. I guess some people got bored listening to it. But if we'd changed it and made all those tracks faster, it would've been totally freakish! In this album, we'll be carrying our same image, that is sober but with a difference and at the same time, the music will be a bit faster this time around. The variation which fans are looking will probably be seen and heard in this album. In fact we have two very ajeeb songs in this album!
Instep Today: Will Jal be making videos in India like Atif Aslam, Ali Zafar and Haroon?
Gohar Mumtaz: I guess there isn't any harm in going to India and getting videos made there, provided they are good, but personally I think the video quality in Pakistan is very good. We do have some plans but let's not disclose them just yet. Let it remain a surprise. We will be touring India soon and other performers will include Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy. This will be after Ramzan and by then our album will be out here.
Instep Today: Any message for your fans?
Gohar Mumtaz: I would just like to say that we are really sorry for making you wait for such a long time. We didn't want you to wait for so long but I promise it is worth the wait. You'll get to listen to more good quality music from Jal, which will really prove something. Inshallah.
Dark and handsome Shahrukh Khan opts for fair and lovely. The News International - Instep Today
SRK update
Dark and handsome Shahrukh Khan opts for fair and lovely
Aqsa Hussain
King Khan's association with Emami Group for two years now has made him take yet another step toward strengthening his faith in Emami Group. And what he's doing for them now is another absolutely unpredictable move, that King Khan is famous for. Shahrukh Khan been tied in as a brand ambassador for the company's fairness cream for men "Emami Fair and Handsome".
Emami is publicizing the product as: 'A unique fairness cream for men, which is a breakthrough. It will make men's skin fair and handsome in four weeks and will also help in alleviating stress and fatigue signs.' SRK will be endorsing the fairness cream in India for two years, so rest assured that a lot of men will be buying.
It seems that India is turning the concept of fairness on its head. The usage of fairness creams is predominant in India and Pakistan specially, but so far fairness creams have been targeted at women. Fairness creams sell like hotcakes in countries that seem to be obsessed with women being fair. The more gori a girl is, the more beautiful she is considered to be. In Pakistan, fairness cream ads that feature a dark girl having problems finding a husband, using a fairness cream and then getting married have come under fire from intellectuals.
However, now, with all the research Indian companies are doing, they have discovered that 30 per cent of the users for fairness products are men. The Emami group has chosen to cash in on this. One is waiting to see what kind of an ad Shahrukh Khan will do. It will probably be tongue-in-cheek and witty. With the obsession with fairness creams, that seem to insult the dark complexion of women in the sub-continent, just the fact that the biggest star in Indian cinema will promote a fairness cream turns the 'fair and lovely' status quo on its head. Perhaps that is why Sharukh has agreed to be their brand ambassador.
It is seen that men are now focusing on looking good and they have increasingly been using fairness creams and other products. Metrosexuality is a part of Indian urban culture now and Shahrukh with his range of Kaun Banega Crorepati suits and clothes and being the only male star to feature in a Lux ad epitomizes the urban male.
However, Shahrukh's selection really does makes one wonder why he agreed considering that his skin is rather dark. Will the fairness cream make him more gora eventually? How will this effect his popularity? Would King Khan still be King if he becomes fair and lovely? And most of all, does Gauri Khan, who has the sark sultry look herself want her husband to be fair?
We think it's just the money involved. Shahrukh is after all, the first Indian actor who agrees to dance at the nuptials of the rich and famous for a price, though you have to be Lakshmi Mittal to afford him. King Khan has already represented brands like Himani Navratna Oil and Himani Sona Chandi Chyawanprash. Previously Aishwarya and Amitabh have also worked for Emami, so could this be a case of poaching on the Bachchan territory?
Shahrukh being the most most popular salesman of brands is also the highest tax payer in Bollywood. Indian excise officials say that SRK alone paid 4.8 crore rupees as service tax last year, which is nearly 10 per cent of his annual 50 crore rupee income from advertisements. Next in line is Amitabh Bachchan who is second highest contributor to service tax in the film industry followed by son Abhishek. The Big B paid Rs 1.50 crore while Abhishek paid Rs 1 crore the same as Rani Mukherjee who tops among actresses.
So Shahrukh is already one up on the Bachchans as far as the endorsement game is concerned. Him being Shahrukh, expectations are high, so we hope that just making money is not the sole prerogative of his tie up with emami. We're all dying to see where Shahrukh takes the endorsement of a fairness cream for men.
Dark and handsome Shahrukh Khan opts for fair and lovely
Aqsa Hussain
King Khan's association with Emami Group for two years now has made him take yet another step toward strengthening his faith in Emami Group. And what he's doing for them now is another absolutely unpredictable move, that King Khan is famous for. Shahrukh Khan been tied in as a brand ambassador for the company's fairness cream for men "Emami Fair and Handsome".
Emami is publicizing the product as: 'A unique fairness cream for men, which is a breakthrough. It will make men's skin fair and handsome in four weeks and will also help in alleviating stress and fatigue signs.' SRK will be endorsing the fairness cream in India for two years, so rest assured that a lot of men will be buying.
It seems that India is turning the concept of fairness on its head. The usage of fairness creams is predominant in India and Pakistan specially, but so far fairness creams have been targeted at women. Fairness creams sell like hotcakes in countries that seem to be obsessed with women being fair. The more gori a girl is, the more beautiful she is considered to be. In Pakistan, fairness cream ads that feature a dark girl having problems finding a husband, using a fairness cream and then getting married have come under fire from intellectuals.
However, now, with all the research Indian companies are doing, they have discovered that 30 per cent of the users for fairness products are men. The Emami group has chosen to cash in on this. One is waiting to see what kind of an ad Shahrukh Khan will do. It will probably be tongue-in-cheek and witty. With the obsession with fairness creams, that seem to insult the dark complexion of women in the sub-continent, just the fact that the biggest star in Indian cinema will promote a fairness cream turns the 'fair and lovely' status quo on its head. Perhaps that is why Sharukh has agreed to be their brand ambassador.
It is seen that men are now focusing on looking good and they have increasingly been using fairness creams and other products. Metrosexuality is a part of Indian urban culture now and Shahrukh with his range of Kaun Banega Crorepati suits and clothes and being the only male star to feature in a Lux ad epitomizes the urban male.
However, Shahrukh's selection really does makes one wonder why he agreed considering that his skin is rather dark. Will the fairness cream make him more gora eventually? How will this effect his popularity? Would King Khan still be King if he becomes fair and lovely? And most of all, does Gauri Khan, who has the sark sultry look herself want her husband to be fair?
We think it's just the money involved. Shahrukh is after all, the first Indian actor who agrees to dance at the nuptials of the rich and famous for a price, though you have to be Lakshmi Mittal to afford him. King Khan has already represented brands like Himani Navratna Oil and Himani Sona Chandi Chyawanprash. Previously Aishwarya and Amitabh have also worked for Emami, so could this be a case of poaching on the Bachchan territory?
Shahrukh being the most most popular salesman of brands is also the highest tax payer in Bollywood. Indian excise officials say that SRK alone paid 4.8 crore rupees as service tax last year, which is nearly 10 per cent of his annual 50 crore rupee income from advertisements. Next in line is Amitabh Bachchan who is second highest contributor to service tax in the film industry followed by son Abhishek. The Big B paid Rs 1.50 crore while Abhishek paid Rs 1 crore the same as Rani Mukherjee who tops among actresses.
So Shahrukh is already one up on the Bachchans as far as the endorsement game is concerned. Him being Shahrukh, expectations are high, so we hope that just making money is not the sole prerogative of his tie up with emami. We're all dying to see where Shahrukh takes the endorsement of a fairness cream for men.
Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's 'Aey Watan Pyare Watan' tops celebs' national song list. The News International - Instep Today
Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's 'Aey Watan Pyare Watan' tops celebs' national song list
August 14, Independence Day always has a festive air to it. It's a time when national songs are being played over and over again on a multitude of channels and blaring from loudspeakers at festive gatherings and cars on the road. Nothing like a tune to make you feel patriotic… Jeevay Jeevay Pakistan, Hum Zinda Qaum Hain, Sohni Dharti, Aey Watan Ke Sajeelay Jawanon, the list of songs poets have penned and singers have lent their voices to, to pay tribute to our homeland is endless. And here we asked some icons of Pakistan's music and entertainment industries what their favourites were and the results were unanimous… Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's ditty remains the most memorable national song for most of the people interviewed.
Aqsa Hussain
Karachi
Ali Zafar
'Aey Watan Pyarey Watan' by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan really touches me every time I listen to it. It effects me in the way it did when I heard it for the first time, besides this song has depth and authenticity that shows the grace of the great Ustad Amanat Ali Khan. One can't really say that very few national songs are coming up these days or that musicians have little sense of belonging to their country. Vital Signs' 'Dil Dil Pakistan' is surely the greatest national song. I haven't yet thought of making one, I might someday. The video of 'Aasman Ko Chhootey Jayen Hum' is going to be released on August 14, that can be interpreted as patriotic.
Meera
'Dil Boley Mohabbat Ki Zaban'. I like this song because I believe it's a classy song and the lyrics are very sweet and it's brilliantly shot.
Not many national songs are coming up because our youngsters are not properly entertained. If they were properly entertained then I believe they'd do wonders. Here we aren't progressing, our youth is unemployed and there's too much bad politics. Our youth is attracted to Dubai or London, because those places attract youngsters with proper entertainment. Our people should start working for country, not for their own personal benefits, then we will definately be rocking the world.
Usman Peerzada
'Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhey Qadam Qadam Abaad Tujhey', because it says very beautiful things about my country and it makes me feel good.
There aren't many national songs coming up these days for the reason that the patriotic spirit is missing in our youth today. They are too caught up in their own music and methods to make it big, hence none of the songs have really touched me in last couple of years. Previously it wasn't like that; people had love for their country and their devotion can still be seen and heard through number of national songs which are evergreen. I would like to point out to my youngsters that there are no short cuts and you really need to work hard and make Pakistan the best place to live in.
Farhad Humayun
I'm not really into patriotic music, but I guess two national songs are commendable. One is "Hay Jazba Junoon Tau Himmat Na Haar", which has a beat and a very pleasant melody to it. The other would be Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's, 'Aey Watan Pyare Watan', which is an evergreen song and tends to develop true patriotic feelings in one's heart.
If we talk about Overload, its chiefly instrumental, but every song of ours, including 'Dhamaal' can be interpreted as patriotic music. It's definitely wrong to say that our youth lacks feelings for our country. In future, if we collaborate with any mainstream singer, we'll definitely do a national song.
A reason for not having a lot of patriotic songs is that people on the whole, haven't got much from Pakistan, be it gas, water or anything. They are depressed. Also our musicians, at the end of the day, want hit numbers and by chanting Pakistan Pakistan all the time won't make any big difference. People want Pakistan to be a better place. You see Malaysia has made a great progress in last ten years and we are still where we were sixty years ago
Shafqat Amanat Ali Khan
To me, 'Aey Watan Pyaare Watan' by Ustad Amanat Ali Khan happens to be the greatest national song ever sung and made. It has everything in it, beautiful melody, brilliant lyrics and voice. People really had love for their country when this song was released. Now there aren't many national songs made because people are losing passion for their country. More wannabees have attacked, who are only looking for popularity and that's the thing that has knocked out the feelings to sing for your country. When you sing for your country, you feel love for it, above all other things, be it popularity, money or anything. Above all, even today, our national songs are pretty strong compared to that of India's.
Faakhir
Well, I like a few of them. 'Dil Dil Pakistan' is good, and I like 'Dil Na Laagey', which I composed a few years ago, I think it was a bit different from other patriotic songs, it didn't make any promises and it didn't try to motivate people, it simply showed love for own country. The only thing that is worrisome now is the empty promises made by the national songs People have started disbelieving in patriotic songs that contain false words and pretty lyrics. Now people don't want pretty and emotional lyrics. There was a time when pop music was new and needed support from its dictators, patriotic songs with emotional lyrics were made and aired on television. That fooled the nation and badly exploited our music. Now it's multi-national's turn but people are more aware now. If a song contains all of the above it just isn't enlightening.
I want the youth of my country to know their weaknesses and overcome them, stop getting exploited, know their rights, and not to ever lose hope. I hope that time comes when we start making national songs that are truly heart felt.
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