Instep interview
Overload are definitely not over and out… they've just been reinventing themselves!They are the boys who wowed us with drums and percussion and created a new sound around the hypnotic dhol of Pappu Saeein. Now they have parted ways with the great guru, but they are carrying on with a new vocalist in Meesha, an album in both English and Punjabi and a deal with Universal that will take them across the border!
By Aqsa Hussain
A contract with Universal Music group - How did it all happen?
We played at the Shalom music festival in Delhi in March this year. The entire Indian press was there. Other big artists present and playing were Medieval Pundits, Anoushka Shankar and Prem Joshua. The audience loved Overload, the event got a lot of coverage. Some of Universal's representatives were present at the occasion so they must have conveyed their thoughts to the company. We just got a call from them saying they wanted to sign us up and they loved our music.
Your last album was in 2006. It's been such a long time. When's your new album coming out and does it have a different sound to offer?
It's been a year and a half since our last and we like to spend time on our music because once it's out there its forever. We cannot change it so it has to be great no matter how long it takes. The new album is ready. We've just been waiting on a few contracts and deals to come through and the situation of the country to improve which I don't think will happen in many decades to come - but now that the contracts have come about and we can support ourselves we'll be releasing the second album titled 'Pichal Pairee' on Eid. Our first worldwide release will be in November on Universal records. It's got a lot more of drums and music as compared to the previous album. Vocals will also make an impact. Its very intense but at the same time very absorbable.
Overload is known as a high quality instrumental band without a vocalist, but with hypnotic sounds, dhols and rhythms. Your signature sound is what has made you a big name. Since being instrumental was your USP, now with Meesha (Saba Hameed's daughter) on vocals, will Overload be able to maintain it's uniqueness since she sings in English? Music in that language can't cater to masses.
We never actually planned on being a particular kind of band. We didn't have a vocalist on the first album because there was simply no space in our music for one. By the way, Meesha is singing in both English and Punjabi. We were never a band for the masses but I think this album will reach out to a bigger audience. Some people may complain about us changing our sound a lot but we've proven ourselves and made all the statements we had to with the first album and our concerts. Our dhol act is stronger than ever! It remains a vital part of our live act and we have some interesting stuff played by the amazing Nasir Saeen from Daska, a village in Punjab.
Overload has grabbed two LSA nominations... are you happy?
We've actually been nominated thrice including this year and we've received one 'Best Live Act' award for 2006. The band is really happy about it because we're not really into the fashion scene. We only go to events because we're friends with the fashion crowd but actually we are hard core musicians and it's great to be acknowledged by fashion gurus. With Meesha's presence we will be recognized more as a fashionable band since she's also a famous model. Plus we're working with HSY very actively also - making music for his shows and collaborating with him on a video!
How do you see LSA cancellation?
I think it's a disappointment for everyone. Every year the entire fashion, music, art, television and film scene get together to celebrate one year's hard work and its not thrilling that this year there will be none. Its like Basant - we used to have Basant every year but now because of the sad state of affairs of our country we just don't celebrate anything. We're supposed to be happy as individual people and as a nation but it's become a crime to be happy in Pakistan!
What about your upcoming videos... since fans still can't get over Dhamaal's video!
I know Bilal Lashari did very well with the video! We believe in perfection as far as our work is concerned that's why we spend time on both videos and audio. We know that videos cost a lot of money We're doing the video of 'Cursed' again , putting some vocals in there also for the international market. We are also shooting another video of one of our new tracks which will be released with our album & we're really excited about our new lineup & image.
Are you proceeding to India anytime soon?
We already have a few gigs lined up in India but I don't think Bollywood is our scene. It would be interesting to make a few 'item numbers' for Bollywood but that is not our aim. A lot of our Universal dealings and plans come about via India so we will be interacting with them a lot more.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Ahmed Jehanzeb's Interview - The Youth
AHMED JEHANZEB
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Young and Melodious… A perfect blend!
The diversity of his vocals makes one wonder about the musical dynasty he has grown within. The Wonder Boy, as his fans call him, has proved that training in specific field you want to pursue, is extremely important and that’s the reason he stands amongst millions! Around seven years back it was “Ek bar Kaho”, a monster hit which made Ahmed Jehanzeb a household name, and since then there’s no looking back. Ahmed came out with a best selling album “Parastish” in 2003 and now is back with a big bang. Yes, he has come out with a brand new album, “Laut Aao”, which according to him would prove him as a more mature singer. Recently, Youth Magazinehad a one to one with this amazing singer who with his courtesy won our hearts. Interview took place at Ahmed’s funky studio.
It’s been five years since your last album? What are your expectations and how is it going to be different from Parastish?
It’s been a while and I am pretty much eager to take my album out in the market. Somehow it kept getting delayed for one reason or another. As far as the sound, packaging and effort goes, I would say I’m satisfied and hope that this new album stands out for it’s musical coherency and lyrical genius. It was first time for me to work in India. Also, first time in my life, someone else arranged all my compositions. It took me a while to get adjusted in India and get used to working conditions there. You see, video isn’t made in a day, nor an album is completed in a month. I’m pretty much satisfied though, it has turned out really well and I believe it would be worth waiting for.
What’s the difference that you feel in working here and working there?
There’s not much of a difference. But definitely Bollywood is a bigger market. We have greater talent and bigger musicians. After Hollywood, Bollywood is the biggest wood. Professionalism is very much there. Everything’s very well managed, organized and executed. They even made me get up at six in the morning for my video, because everything had to be executed as per plans. We Pakistanis have got to be focused. We are just a step behind. We should hunt local talent and let it come forward on merit basis and demolish parchi system, sources and references.
Tell us about the videos in your album? Have you made any so far?
We’ve so far made two videos from the album. Chandni has been completed and is all set to release soon. Wouldn’t reveal everything now but it’s on the way to reach television channels. It’s the most expensive video ever made in India and Pakistan.
Why is hype created when our artists go there?
You see music is not taken that serious here. Religious factors become hindrance at times, which according to me shouldn’t happen. In India all big shots are Muslims. I don’t mind our artists going there and working. You see if they don’t get work here, where would they go then? All an artist wants is work and appreciation, life becomes miserable for them to survive otherwise. If Madonna offers me to get shifted to Hollywood and work there, I might say yes at the very moment I get this offer. Why? Because artists move where they are provided with work and acknowledgement for their work, in terms of money, respect and fame.
Do we lack talent in terms of music or what? Why entertainment seems to have taken a back seat?
Well, we have hell loads of talent man. We are no less than any other nation when it comes to talented people, musicians. But see, here politics has taken over, 24/7 channels are flooded with saucy news, views which eventually tend to make us confused. Sometime back it was only entertainment and now there’s politics everywhere. Political unrest in the country has done a big damage to our entertainment industry.
What’s the thing about music industry here that pisses you off?
Everyone has made categories. If you want to succeed you have to sing pop. I mean why man? Why can’t we subcategorize it? Why am I forced to deliver pop when I’m not delivering it from the day one? There are different genres and an artist should only restrict himself to the genre he tends to follow and is very good at. I’m not a pop singer at all, but I’m advised to sing pop, if I wish to succeed. All the ones who’ve changed their track due to this reason have lost their identity.
Who are your favorite singers?
Favorite singer would be Rahat Fateh Ali in the contemporaries. Many kids in the business are not even near him. I mean NO WHERE near Ali. Even Aasha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar expressed the desire of singing with him and that is a great achievement and an honour for not only him but for Pakistan too. We should respect legends like Rahat. I personally, as a musician get frustrated when I think about how we dealt with a legend like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan during him lifetime. We should learn from this and should acknowledge legends like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. There’s another guy Adnan, who teaches at NAPA, can you imagine he’s the one who taught Faraz Anwar and Shallum. He has given us guitar masters and no one knows him. It’s frustrating. Other than the two, I like Shafqat bhai, Sheeraz Uppal, and Sajjad Ali. In bands I like Aaroh and Mekaal Hassan Band. MKB is the perfect example of a perfect band. Oh yeah, Junoon has really done justice to rock.
So, are you dancing in your video like most of our artists do in their videos-made-in-India? Is any actress featuring?
I’m not dancing but performing, that would be Ahmed Jahanzeb’s step two. And about the Bollywood actress being featured in the video, I would say, there’s so much glamour that you might end up finding resemblance of the model featuring in our video with some actress but no, not any actress featured.
Are you nervous of any criticism that might come along your way by the music industry gurus?
Yeah man…I’m very nervous. I have faith in Allah, so yeah satisfied too. Efforts and hard work wouldn’t go in vain.
How did you join hands with Shoaib Mansoor for Khuda kay Liye? How did it all happen?
Actually, Shoaib Mansoor knew my father since radio days. Papa introduced me to him back in 1996 when he was busy editing Alpha Bravo Charlie. I found Shoaib Mansoor to be very much involved in his work. One fine day, after many years, he called my father and asked about me. Let me tell you here that though I couldn’t follow his other directions but I was a big fan of Supreme Ishq. He came to Karachi, stayed with us for five days and worked here at my studio. He would get up early in the morning and sleep late night. He would only take one cup of tea and nothing else. He would just attend phone calls and work.
Khuda kay lye turned out to be a massive hit, do you still think there was something left to be fixed up in the movie?
Shoaib Mansoor had a clear heart about what he had to do with the movie. But somehow for some reasons, some people ditched him at eleventh hour, that’s why certain elements that needed to be fixed, remained untouched. Otherwise Khuda Kay Liye would have been a movie of the century. But I wouldn’t blame Shoaib Mansoor for that, because he had to compromise on a lot of things.
When did you actually start learning music? Who was your Ustaad?
I’m still learning, it continues forever. I started when I was 12 and my beloved ustaad’s name is Ustaad Raees Khan.
How has the journey been from Ek bar kaho till now?
The journey has been unbelievable. The feeling of being a chosen one by the God is inexplicable. Really!! But maintaining it is an equally uphill task.
We heard you’re Sonu Nigam’s big fan?
Yes – I like Sonu Nigam. We both respect each other’s work. His voice is versatile and has a big name and protocol. He has seen good and bad days and has come a long way.
You acted too, how did that happen? Plus, have you thought of taking it seriously?
Yeah, sometimes I think I should take acting seriously. But I don’t know somehow or the other my acting projects have been strong. There’s one project coming on HUM TV soon. The Ghost. Babar Javed does it. It has hundred episodes and will run for six months. I’m expecting people would like my acting in it. I’m playing opposite Sawera Nadeem. It happened a few times that I almost forgot all my dialogues when in front of her. And as for how did it all happen, I was sitting very casually, when the director of Laila Majnoo came and asked me if I was interested in acting for his play, for which I replied in affirmation but asked him to wait for papa’s permission. He said, only girls ask for permission and laughed at me. Anyway, papa had no issues and this is how I went on to start acting for a play named Laila Majnoo. It turned out to be a successful one and then Ek Bar Kaho followed, its theme song became a massive hit and all else is history.
What would you be if not a singer?
If I were not a singer, I would definitely be a cricketer. My father was a social person and there would be parties with legends like Javed Miandad, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas and many more. So, by sitting amongst them I learned a lot about cricket and was pretty much talented at playing it..
What are your interests other than singing?
Singing is my passion. It’s not an interest. Other than that I love traveling. Though I feel a bit uncomfortable while traveling in plane but exploring the world, different cultures, meeting new people is my craze. I’ve been traveling right from my childhood. Father was in merchant navy so we’ve spent all our childhood traveling.
Which is your favorite country and city?
Favorite country would be South Africa and city would be Durban. I’ve spent six years of my life in South Africa, did my early schooling there and have lots of memories attached.
We do not get to see you much on TV shows, why?
Channels aren’t paying artists much. In fact, it really pisses an artist off when you see channels earning a lot and not paying an artist who drags audience to their shows because of his/her talent. The energy and time he/she gives to his/her performance goes unnoticed and unacknowledged in terms of money, which is unfair. And for that I took a stand and said NO to every offer that asked me to perform for free. And I’m happy that singers like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam took stand as well and now when they pay, we perform.
Favorite movies?
Hollywood : Legend of the Soul
Lollywood: Khuda kay Liye
Bollywood: Black
What’s your desire as a musician?
I want to come up with an idea of a whole musical team. Somebody who can be huge and his/her diversity of music can be widely appreciated and listened by all age groups. I want to come up with the concept of 50 musicians performing on stage and I singing and directing them and dealing with everything. Something unusual and that can take music to the next level in Pakistan.
What about the contest about the name of album?
We were going through this contest and in the middle of it I got a call from India that my album has been named. “Laut Aao” is the name of the album. Surprisingly a fan suggested the same name in the contest, so we went for it. I had a “Mai aur Tum” like concept for the name, but my Papa, brother liked Laut Aao, so did I.
Is there anything else other than albums for your fans?
I’ve nearly twenty tele-films up my sleeves and I’m working on them these days. The whole concept of tele-films will be changed. Story lines would be very well conceptualized. Music, direction, acting, shooting everything would be perfectly done. By judging the pulse of the market and needs of the viewers, we’ve decided to change the whole scenario of tele-films.
Ahmed enthusiastically talked about tele-films and declared that they’ll be no less than feature films. So, it’s definitely going to be a treat to watch.
Do you have any message for Youth?
First understand and then do. What basically our youngsters are afraid to do is hard work. All we want is comfort and luxury without putting in any effort to get it. We run after short cuts. Can you imagine a traffic policeman was having tea under a tree (traffic ki waat lagi hui thi)! He was tension free, people damned and moved, he remained calm and cool and kept sipping one cup after another. Wow. This is how jobs are being done here.
For those who want to be Ahmed Jehanzeb…?
Read all the contracts before you sign. Never sign it before completely going through it. Don’t easily give your trust to anyone and be selfish at times when it comes to another person using you.
In the end to make this interview memorable Ahmed sang us a song and trust me, listening to his vocals and that too live, are a treat to listen!
Apology: Aqsa Hussain conducted Bushra Ansari’s interview in the month of May. Youth regrets interviewer’s name for being unprinted due to technical faults.
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER -- The Youth
Icon of the Month: RIZWAN JAFFER
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
The young man who makes the youth vision in cafes!
Interviewed by Aqsa Hussain
Name? Rizwan Jaffar
DOB? 19 th June.
Favorite Book? Awaz-e-Dost.
Favorite TV show? Oprah Winfrey, Hard Talk on BBC and 50 minutes on Geo.
What is Politics? Politics is to serve the country.
Political leader you like? Nelson Mandela.
Favorite Film? Rang De Basanti.
Favorite singers ? Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kishore Kumar, Mohammad Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar.
Rizwan, you're the one who according to our knowledge first started a TV program exclusively designed for Youth. How did concept of Cafe Vision strike your mind?
We started Café Vision in 2003 and it’s been five years now. I’ve been an active student and a very good debater throughout my school and college life and have won numerous awards including Pakistan’s best debater award. It was back in PTV’s era that I along with my debater friends realized that there should be a platform for youngsters to come on TV and express, so, that’s little something behind Café Vision.
Since you've been doing Cafe Vision for past few years and have a direct interaction with Youth, what according to you are the shortcomings and strengths in our youth?
I have interacted with youth even in Dubai and UK. I have huge interaction with youth of Pakistan. Shortcoming is of course desire of short cuts. They do not wish to work for long and then reap benefits.
But, our youth is very hard working. They always want to do something, and are very much enthusiastic. Problem is only of lack in guidance and consistency to achieve goals.
Have you directed any shows? I remember you did Shaista and You. Tell us more about them.
I’ve directed many shows, including Shaista and You, Café Vision, Career Moves, Taleemat-e-Nabavi, Tareekh ki Talaash, and more shows on TV One. I’ve hosted shows as well. Upcoming is a show on a different channel with a new name and a new concept. It definitely would be for the youth.
What are your other interests?
I have a book and a music library at my place. I read books, listen to music and watch TV. Internet and that’s all.
Our concept of a scout is of a volunteer who takes on a stiff dress and acts like an army man/woman, can you elaborate on it's real concept please?
Scouting is an International movement. It gives youth programs for the youngsters in the age group of 17 to 25 years. People having crossed this age become leaders. It’s basic aim is character building in youth, to give them the concept of social service so that they can work better for their country, religion and get worldwide exposure, that’s why there are lots of international conferences happening every now and then. I’ve many friends all over the world.
You’re a President Gold Medallist and successfully got your mother sponsored for performing Hajj, Masha Allah. Tell us how did it happen?
I’m President Gold Medallist in scouting. After being selected as the Best Scout, you’re given an opportunity to perform Hajj with your mother or father. So Masha Allah I performed Hajj with my mother. After that I went to Japan for representing Pakistan in an international conference.
Rizwan, tell us one thing, you've been successfully doing a show for a few years now and have produced a few more as well, but there's not much hype about you that should have been created... why? Also, Cafe Vision's pattern is being monotonous too. Are you planning to bring in some variation?
It happens. It happens with the governments as well. There’s a saturation point of watching anything. We’d been bringing in changes; we changed venues, covered different places, cities, restaurants etc
There’s a line mentioned with the name of Café Vision. “Voice of the Next Generation”, it basically gets monotonous for the ones who’ve attended Café Vision few times. But the ones who’ve not been here, it’s for them.
If you were to change any one thing about yourself and about your shows, then what would it be?
I regret that my passion for my work caused me to neglect my studies. But I think it was all a training process. If time rolled back, I would use it more constructively.
Youth parliament was my dream. Youth wants to do something for the country too. I want to do something for youth so that they come forward and give guidelines to government. Youth is the only force that can tell government that we lack dynamic leadership; we ought to use electricity intelligently etc. My next show would be on this theme.
profession, then getting time out to do this extra bit of writing can again prove to be a very challenging task. Hence, the key is to know which time is the best and then take that time to get your writing tasks done.
Tell us about "Ishq-e-Rasool mei Jiyo" (a Naat competition). How did you come up with that and how was the response?
Response was amazingly nice. Dr Aamir Liaqat who is senior to me and a good friend told me to do a religious program. The basic reason of going for a Naat competition was to change the mindset of people regarding Naat Khwans. I mean a person wearing modern dress can also recite Naat. We had countless entries and people showed great interest. We short-listed our contestants and final show took place in Karachi.
How do you see electronic media's explosion in the past few years?
Government has permitted everyone to open channels and as a result of which TV is flooded with many channels. Some people really had bad experiences. Electronic media’s journalists have made TV “shaam ka akhbar”. We lack quality directors, producers etc but it will hopefully improve. Someday we would realize that saucy news 24/7 isn’t the only thing to be shown on TV. You see BBC and CNN are sensible channels when they talk about their homelands. On the contrary, our channels act like opposition in the assembly.
Tell us any five things; a person should have before even thinking of taking media as a profession?
- Degree: It is very important. Quality education is important above all.
- Specialization: Be a master in whatever you are pursuing.
- Knowledge and information: You can’t host unless you have something intellectual and knowledgeable to share.
- Patience.
- Consistency.
How do you see girls taking media as a full time profession, be it production, acting, modeling, anchoring, reporting etc?
Our family system doesn’t easily accept women going out and working in the media. If you talk about males, even they have this marriage issue. People avoid getting their girls married to a media guy. Girls have to portray their jobs in the nicest way they can.
What do you have in store for audience?
There will be a new bi-weekly show for youngsters on a new channel. I’ve worked as a freelancer in the past and now I’m going for a job, so show would be the only focus.
What’s Youth Parliament?
At the time of celebrations on Café Vision’s 100 th episode, we thought to get some output. Youth parliament was an idea. We formed it and have thousands of members – young members. Great achievers were awarded. Great achievers are the youngsters who at this young age have done something exclusive in their own respective fields for the country, in any area like science, technology, arts, culture, education, sports, entertainment etc. The basic aim was to portray Pakistani youngsters as high achievers. We wanted to generate a positive image of Pakistan other than saucy stories and terror. Such awards motivate others to do more.
We also have a plan to award top ten achievers.
Do you have any message for the youth and Youth magazine?
Please don’t run after shortcuts. Dream for a sky of success, by doing that you’d probably be able to achieve something nearest. Don’t run after money, but run after your work and money will follow you.
I’ve read three copies of Youth magazine and believe me you guys are doing incredibly well. I just love it. I had idealized to take out exactly this kind of magazine but unfortunately couldn’t do it. I’m always interested in reading and writing, have written some articles for leading newspapers as well. So magazines are of great interest. Keep it up!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Call scores another deal in Bollywood. The News International - Instep Today.
Call scores another deal in Bollywood
Aqsa Hussain
It was 'Nishaan' that established Call in the underground circuit many years ago but post 'Laaree Chootee', Call has developed a larger albeit mixed following. The song came with its share of controversies. The fact that Junaid was not featured on the vocals or even the video sparked rumours of a break up. But as Junaid puts it, "It was a decision we made as a band because my vocals just wouldn't suit the song."
The film was a flop but the song was an absolute hit, not just in India but right here at home as well. And now amidst getting ready with their second album, Call has scored yet another deal in an upcoming Indian flick. Instep Today caught up with the backbone of Call, Xulfi to find out more...
Instep Today: Tell us about the new song?
Xulfi: The song is called 'Yeh Pal'. On the very day of the release of 'Laaree Chootee' in India, I got a call from Muzikzon Entertainment, a production house based in Mumbai. They said that they loved the song and wanted Call to do a song for their movie too. So they sent us the movie brief. I found it very fresh, very youthful and wrote the lyrics accordingly. They loved the direction the song was going towards so they gave the band complete freedom in creation of the song in the way we wanted to without any restrictions.
Instep Today: Did you guys record the song in India?
Xulfi: The song was written, composed, recorded and arranged right here in Pakistan at my studio Xth Harmonic (Lahore). So, it is, like 'Laaree Chootee', Call's own production in its entirety.
I composed the song, wrote the lyrics and I've sung the song. Plus, there is a remix of that song that would be released too. And this time, the remix hasn't been done by an Indian DJ, but by me and Sami Khan, the vocalist/songwriter of the band Lagan. We're flying out to India for the music launch that is slated for March 9.
Instep Today: Tell us about the movie in which 'Yeh Pal' is being featured.
Xulfi: It's called Aasman. It has Nauheed Cyrusi (Anwar fame), Hrishita Bhatt and an upcoming actor Subhahish Mukherjee in starring roles. The film is about a bunch of youngsters, who in their college days, decide to pursue an artistic aim and that's what they work for till the very end of the movie. The hurdles that come in their way, how they overcome them, and how they move on from there, becoming stronger in their motive and in their personality are themes that run through the film.
Instep Today: It has been a while since 'Laaree Chootee' happened. Why such a huge gap?
Xulfi: There aren't offers every month, no matter who the artists is. Most of the songs are acquired by producers/directors before they start shooting for the movie. My point is that it takes a lot of time for one song when it is being featured in a film. And that is what happened in our case. There are a few other offers from Bollywood, somewhat half done. We will announce them when everything is finalised.
Instep Today: Even though 'Laaree Chootee' was a massive hit, it also brought some criticism. It was more towards the commercial side considering the fact that you guys are a pure rock act. Comments?
Xulfi: Rock, I repeat, is not the only thing Call does. There would always be critics for everything that an artist does. That's how the music scene works. Plus, criticism is important as far as creating hype is concerned. It's all is a part of the game. Even if this time a few people criticize us, I won't mind it because I know the band has worked real hard on this song and we've tried to make sure that there are no weak moments. If 'Yeh Pal' is accepted as widely by the general audience as 'Laaree Chootee' then we'd all be pretty satisfied and happy.
An artist is not just someone who makes art so that he could keep it at home. Art like music is created so that people can relate to it and appreciate it. That's how we all earn our livelihood. Without public satisfaction, it really isn't the same. One might assume that his song is good but only when the general audience appreciates it, then it really matters.
Instep Today: Call's debut record, Jilawatan, released in 2005. And we're now in 2008. When will your second album release?
Xulfi: We have been working on our new album since the first album released, roughly two years. We really wanted that the second album should not just be a work of one month of song writing. We wanted it to encompass a bigger period and a versatile set of emotions. I feel, and I believe that we have somewhat accomplished that. But that still will only be proven when the album will be released. I hope the fans and the listeners feel the same intensity while listening to the songs that we felt while writing and creating them. We are planning for a release during this half of the year.
Aqsa Hussain
It was 'Nishaan' that established Call in the underground circuit many years ago but post 'Laaree Chootee', Call has developed a larger albeit mixed following. The song came with its share of controversies. The fact that Junaid was not featured on the vocals or even the video sparked rumours of a break up. But as Junaid puts it, "It was a decision we made as a band because my vocals just wouldn't suit the song."
The film was a flop but the song was an absolute hit, not just in India but right here at home as well. And now amidst getting ready with their second album, Call has scored yet another deal in an upcoming Indian flick. Instep Today caught up with the backbone of Call, Xulfi to find out more...
Instep Today: Tell us about the new song?
Xulfi: The song is called 'Yeh Pal'. On the very day of the release of 'Laaree Chootee' in India, I got a call from Muzikzon Entertainment, a production house based in Mumbai. They said that they loved the song and wanted Call to do a song for their movie too. So they sent us the movie brief. I found it very fresh, very youthful and wrote the lyrics accordingly. They loved the direction the song was going towards so they gave the band complete freedom in creation of the song in the way we wanted to without any restrictions.
Instep Today: Did you guys record the song in India?
Xulfi: The song was written, composed, recorded and arranged right here in Pakistan at my studio Xth Harmonic (Lahore). So, it is, like 'Laaree Chootee', Call's own production in its entirety.
I composed the song, wrote the lyrics and I've sung the song. Plus, there is a remix of that song that would be released too. And this time, the remix hasn't been done by an Indian DJ, but by me and Sami Khan, the vocalist/songwriter of the band Lagan. We're flying out to India for the music launch that is slated for March 9.
Instep Today: Tell us about the movie in which 'Yeh Pal' is being featured.
Xulfi: It's called Aasman. It has Nauheed Cyrusi (Anwar fame), Hrishita Bhatt and an upcoming actor Subhahish Mukherjee in starring roles. The film is about a bunch of youngsters, who in their college days, decide to pursue an artistic aim and that's what they work for till the very end of the movie. The hurdles that come in their way, how they overcome them, and how they move on from there, becoming stronger in their motive and in their personality are themes that run through the film.
Instep Today: It has been a while since 'Laaree Chootee' happened. Why such a huge gap?
Xulfi: There aren't offers every month, no matter who the artists is. Most of the songs are acquired by producers/directors before they start shooting for the movie. My point is that it takes a lot of time for one song when it is being featured in a film. And that is what happened in our case. There are a few other offers from Bollywood, somewhat half done. We will announce them when everything is finalised.
Instep Today: Even though 'Laaree Chootee' was a massive hit, it also brought some criticism. It was more towards the commercial side considering the fact that you guys are a pure rock act. Comments?
Xulfi: Rock, I repeat, is not the only thing Call does. There would always be critics for everything that an artist does. That's how the music scene works. Plus, criticism is important as far as creating hype is concerned. It's all is a part of the game. Even if this time a few people criticize us, I won't mind it because I know the band has worked real hard on this song and we've tried to make sure that there are no weak moments. If 'Yeh Pal' is accepted as widely by the general audience as 'Laaree Chootee' then we'd all be pretty satisfied and happy.
An artist is not just someone who makes art so that he could keep it at home. Art like music is created so that people can relate to it and appreciate it. That's how we all earn our livelihood. Without public satisfaction, it really isn't the same. One might assume that his song is good but only when the general audience appreciates it, then it really matters.
Instep Today: Call's debut record, Jilawatan, released in 2005. And we're now in 2008. When will your second album release?
Xulfi: We have been working on our new album since the first album released, roughly two years. We really wanted that the second album should not just be a work of one month of song writing. We wanted it to encompass a bigger period and a versatile set of emotions. I feel, and I believe that we have somewhat accomplished that. But that still will only be proven when the album will be released. I hope the fans and the listeners feel the same intensity while listening to the songs that we felt while writing and creating them. We are planning for a release during this half of the year.
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi. The News International - Kolachi.
city
calling
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi
calling
Extreme shopping: Retail therapy in Karachi
For those with a penchant for shopping, Karachi's malls and shopping centres are a blessing. With so many places to choose from, Karachiites are spoilt for choice, though many prefer one over the other for their own reasons and the uniqueness each place has to offer
By Aqsa Hussain
Whoever said money can't buy happiness probably didn't know where to go shopping. Karachi's landscape, which is dotted with many shopping centres, could provide much relief in form of retail therapy to those seeking it. Shopping centres such as Saddar, Tariq Road, Zamzama, Zaib-un-nissa Street, Hyderi and Waterpump are popular for extreme shopping binges. Karachi's malls on the other
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.
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
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!
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