The world’s first Muslim superhero is here and her name is Ms. Marvel. The teenage character is the alter ego of a New Jersey girl Kamala Khan who made her live-action debut through the Disney+ series earlier this month, and impressed the audience in a big way. The series not only marks the debut of Pakistani-Canadian Iman Vellani but also presents a brown superhero to the world, who dons the cape and saves the world. That’s why Bold decided to talk to the team behind Ms. Marvel and ask them how they felt about creating a piece of history that would merge the East and the West together. We posed different questions to Iman Vellani who plays Ms. Marvel, Sana Amanat, the creator of Ms. Marvel, and Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah who are leading the directing team that also features our very own Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy. What do they have to say about the first ‘brown superhero’ and how they made it special, read on:
Iman Vellani – The actress who makes her screen debut with and as Ms. Marvel When a youngster named Iman Vellani dressed up as Ms. Marvel a handful of years back and told her friends that she wanted to play the character on screen, even she might not have known that her dream was to come true one day. She was chosen for the role because she fit the character and could bring freshness to it
My stunt double and I really tried to work together as much as we could considering it's a TV show and everything moves fast. We worked out what Kamala's fighting style is and how different of a fighter she is, as well as what her core moves would be
so that it could attract the viewers who might have known Captain Marvel but had no clue who Ms. Marvel was.
As the world’s first brown and Muslim superhero, Iman Vellani did a fantastic job and considered herself honoured for this opportunity even crossing her path.
Speaking to Bold, the Ms. Marvel actress said that she fell in love with the comic book when it came out and read all of them in high school. That’s why she had no difficulty in becoming the character on screen, and didn’t feel any pressure while playing the ‘first-ever’ Muslim superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘I just went to work and had fun, and didn’t think about the responsibility I had on my shoulders. Getting to play the character in a live-action project was all I ever wanted and I was as excited by all the fantasy in the show just like Kamala Khan was in her world. Working with people who had the Marvel logo on their caps and jackets was so cool that I immediately connected to the character I was supposed to play.'
Talking about the stunts that Ms. Marvel performed on the screen; Iman Vellani thanked her stunt double as well as the stunt team for making such a difficult task seem so easy. ‘I had a wonderful stunt team and my stunt double and I really tried to work together as much as we could considering it's a TV show and everything moves fast. We sat down and worked out what Kamala's fighting style is and how different of a fighter she is, as well as what her core moves would be.
It was because of that collaboration with my stunt double and the stunt team that everything became so easy for me.’
Born in Karachi in 2002, Iman Vellani moved to Canada with her parents when she was one year old. That’s why she didn’t care much about her roots until she found herself working with people from Pakistan, including director Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, and actors Nimra Bucha, Samina Ahmed, and Mehwish Hayat. She feels that working with these cool people has inspired her to get back in touch with her roots.
‘Ms. Marvel has helped me reconnect with my culture, something I was kind of dismissive about growing up. Working with so many incredibly talented and cool South Asian and Muslim creatives on our show just really inspired me to get back in touch with my roots, as they were so in touch with theirs. I looked up to them and wanted to reconnect to that side of me.’
Born to Pakistani parents who migrated to the United States before her birth, Sana Amanat created Ms. Marvel in 2014 and has seen her become an integral part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She believes that this is just the beginning for Kamala Khan, in a lot of ways, and after this TV show she will go on to star in a film, with Captain Marvel!
‘Ms. Marvel is an important member of the next generation of Marvel superheroes and is going to play a vital role in the coming years. She has grown up watching the larger-than-life Marvel superheroes save the world and is really inspired and affected by them. I think now it’s time to tell the story of that young woman.’
She adds that she feels very excited to see the road ahead for Kamala Khan because it will be fun to follow her journey. About the series’ release in Paki-
When we discovered Ms. Marvel, we fell in love with Kamala Khan and wanted her to be part of the MCU. In order to make it different than the other Marvel shows and films, we wanted to use animation for her fantasies
stani cinemas, Sana said that she would have been disappointed had the series not made it to the theaters in Pakistan.
‘I was hoping that the series would somehow be released in Pakistan and was quite excited to know that it could be a possibility. I was very nervous about Disney+ not being there but thanks to Marvel, the theatrical release was made possible. I was not expecting it to happen, and that’s why I was excited; the response has been amazing so far, in fact, it has been incredible.
Sana Amanat also credited the writer of Ms. Marvel comics for making it a relatable character, but not before disclosing that the superhero is partly based on her.
‘Oh, it’s the Mini-Me, a young version of me as well as my nieces and versions of Iman herself. Willow (G. Willows Wilson), the writer of the comic, and I brought aspects of ourselves to the character and that’s why a lot of people find aspects of themselves in her as well.’
to do’.
‘When we discovered Ms. Marvel, we fell in love with Kamala Khan and wanted her to be part of the MCU. In order to make it different than the other Marvel shows and films, we wanted to use animation for her fantasies. The best part was that Kevin Feige (Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Entertainment) and Marvel allowed us to show the interesting creative aspect of her mind and gave us a lot of freedom for that. It was crazy to be allowed to do something like that and at the same time be part of a larger Marvel Universe.’
Bilall credited the passionate individuals who were part of the series and helped them take it to the next level. ‘Everybody was so passionate about the project, everyone wanted to tell the story. This was a passion project for everyone from the cast to behind the camera and it would not have been possible without their creative input. It was the teamwork that took the series to a higher level and we are blessed to have such an awesome team.’
In the end, when asked which Marvel character they would like to direct next, after Ms. Marvel, the duo named Blade and Deadpool as their picks. According to them, these two violent characters are the exact opposite of Ms. Marvel and would give them a chance to showcase the 'other' aspect of their direction.
HKC Entertainment will release the third and fourth episodes of Ms. Marvel in cinemas all over Pakistan on 1st July; the final two episodes would be released on 15th July.
We’ve
As soon as the video clip was uploaded to social media, it, faced ire on majorty of the platforms for using a painful and triggering scene from the film in which a sex worker, after having been trafficked and left at Kamathipura, attempts to get a customer. The footage from the film and the dialogue used by the restaurant in a post read: “Aja na Raja – what are you waiting for? Swings is calling out all the Raja’s out there. Ajao and avail a 25% discount on Men’s Monday at Swings!”
To make things worse, the eatery unable to digest the failed marketing strategy came out with another post justifying their distasteful campaign in a newspaper clipping that read “Movie kare tou aag, restaurant kare tou paap” which translates to, “If a film does it then it’s explosive but if a restaurant does it, it is a sin.” With a caption that claimed the ad was ‘ just a concept.’ " We didn't mean to hurt the sentiments of anyone. The movie and this post is based on a concept. Like before, we're open to all and will be serving you with the same love like we always have," the restaurant wrote.
Taking the onus of calling out such sexist portrayals has become one of the internet’s primary responsibilities. While it is refreshing to see social media users point it out, we wish strategists behind such campaigns used their common sense instead.
It has
Everybody was so passionate about the project, everyone wanted to tell the story. This was a passion project for everyone from the cast to behind the camera and it would not have been possible without their creative inputoften seen restaurants stooping down to marketing tactics that are way beyond the belt to gain attention, and the past week was no different, especially for Swing. After using a sequence from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie Gangubai Kathiawadi to advertise a "men's day" special discount, the Karachi-based eatery has come under fire. The name Junaid Khan has become synonymous with not just great singing but also great acting. From concert stages – performing in front of thousands of adoring Call fans – to television and film screens exploring various roles, his acting career has gone from strength to strength. The artist is all set to launch his own production house, Jeem Films, through which he hopes to create even more diverse content. The production house aims delving into genres like action, mystery, and thriller, which are a rare find on the Pakistani screens and most production houses find themselves shying away from exploring such genres. The inaugural projects for Jeem are Junaid’s own music videos, he recently treated fans with the song Yaadan’s official poster that features Hira Mani. Following the hate-fuelled, sacrilegious comments made by the now suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma, actor Adnan Siddiqui has announced he will not be attending an event conducted by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) - an American non-profit organisation headquartered in Westmont, Illinois, United States - due to its decision to host Indian artistes. The APPNA is the largest medical organization of expatriate Pakistanis in the US. Set up by Dr Zaheer Ahmed, a Pakistani gastroenterologist based in Michigan, the organisation aims at providing a platform for social gatherings and a vehicle for educational and humanitarian projects in Pakistan. The APPNA is planned to convene its summer conference in the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, New Jersey, between July 13 to July 17, as per statements made on its Facebook page. Its going to feature a mix of Indian and Pakistani artists which include Ali Zafar who is scheduled to perform on July 15, and Indian playback singer. Sunidhi Chauhan who is gearing up to perform July 16. It has also announced a cultural night that will witness performances by Farhan Saeed and Quratulain Baloch on July 14, Thursday, among other festivities during its five-day run. The artistes have not yet shared the announcements on their own social media handles. also announced a cultural night that will witness performances by Farhan Saeed and Quratulain Baloch on July 14, Thursday, among other events during its five-day run. The artistes have not yet shared the announcements on their own social media handles. By Omair Alavi KARACHI
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is not only one of the most loved theater plays but also amongst the most adapted ones around the globe. From England to India, whenever a producer lacks ideas, he goes ahead and makes his own version of the play, resulting in a sure-shot hit. However, the Urdu adaptation at NAPA fails to hit the bull’s eye and comes out as a student play supervised by the legendary Zia Mohyeddin, not one directed by the great thespian.
The plot
The tragedy revolves around two rival families Montague and Capulet and their youngsters Romeo and Juliet (Ali Sher and Noreen Gulwani) who fall in love after meeting each other at a ball. With the help of Friar Laurence (Samhaan Ghazi) the two get married, hoping that their marriage will improve the relations between the families. However, the day after their union, Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt (Mehroz Gul) who had earlier murdered Romeo’s pal Mercutio (Fawad Khan) in cold blood.
After the Prince (Zubair Baloch) banishes Romeo from the city, Juliet’s parents (Farhan Alam Siddiqui and Zarqa Naz) accept Count Paris’ proposal and tell their daughter that she has no option but to marry the count. A desperate Juliet turns to Friar Laurence for help who gives her a potion that would make her ‘dead asleep’ for a few hours until Romeo returns to reclaim her. However, Romeo arrives too early and drinks poison in front of
a sleeping Juliet, thinking she has died. Juliet, on the other hand, wakes up only to kill herself with Romeo’s dagger, so that the two could be together in the afterlife.
The good Noreen Gulwani’s Juliet was easily the highlight of the play as she carries herself like an upper-class teenager who falls in love at a very young age. She not only looks beautiful but is the epitome of grace. In front of the always-dependable NAPA regulars Fawad Khan, Farhan Alam Siddiqui, and Bakhtawar Mazhar, she manages to carve a separate identity for herself which is no mean feat.
Watching Bakhtawar Mazhar as Juliet’s nanny was a treat since she was making a comeback after a few years but seemed as if she never left. Fawad Khan and Raheel Siddiqui as Romeo’s friends Mercutio and Benvolio respectively were perfect as they were both mischievous and concerned at the same time. The rest of the cast was also able to convince the audience that they were back in the days of Romeo and Juliet with their act, so natural was their performance.
As for the sets, their mobility can be considered the best thing about them, as the stage could become anything in a dozen seconds. Be it Juliet’s balcony or Friar Laurence’s place, the simple background could fit any location, without looking out of place.
The bad
At times the play looked dated and at times it looked modern; what else would you say if in one sentence the character termed Thursday Jumeraat and in the next, it be-
came Panj Shamba. Most of the dialogues in Urdu were so hard to understand that at times it seemed even the actors didn’t know what they meant. Since most of the people in the audience were students, the puzzled look on their faces after the show said it all.
And when the audience laughs at a Shakespeare tragedy, that is nothing less than a tragedy itself. Some of the dialogues were below the belt but could have been avoided since Zia Mohyeddin’s name was attached to the play. Why ‘strange’ music at the climax was played is something many in the audience still want to know.
And finally, there was the lead actor Ali Sher who despite being too young to carry a play took over the responsibility and did extremely well. His only problem was resembling the Zia Mohyeddin of the 1970s, one who played the lead in the Urdu film Mujrim Kon. Not only did he walk like his director but even spoke like him, and if one closed his or her eyes, they would have mistaken him for Zia Mohyeddin. He even dressed more like Zia Mohyeddin than Romeo, and if he wants to grow as an actor, he
has to explore himself rather than do what the director wants him to do.
The verdict: 3/5
Staging any Shakespeare play is always a difficult task and the team at NAPA must be commended for doing a fantastic job. However, they could have taken a little more time to polish the performance as well as the script which lacked the finesse expected from a Shakespeare play. The difficult words in Urdu could have been replaced with easy-to-understand ones so that youngsters would be able to relate to it.
Veteran actor and Head of Theatre Arts at NAPA Khalid Ahmed, who had earlier done a great job in making King Lear a perfect play, seemed to be pressed for time on this occasion.
Otherwise, nobody understands theater better than him, and his scripting is beyond doubt the reason why he is relevant to all generations. He has taught the best actors in the country and continues to produce quality talent at NAPA, and one hopes that the youngsters in this play manage to perform better on other platforms so that they can make their teachers proud.
get the due response they fizzle out and try to find another target.”
Personal life - to share or not to share?
By Ghazala SulaimanThe sudden death of Aamir Liaquat turned out to be a massive wake-up call for the stakeholders of social media.
Cyberbullying is a rising fad on social media - one that will not be vacating the social media space anytime.
Often, the internet seems no less than a vicious jungle where the rule of cruelty and abuse is prevalent. No one is safe or immune to it.
However, the phenomenon of celebrity trolling is the most ruthless of all where stars and their lives are desecrated without any pity. After all, the daily happenings of famous people are hardly private to their followers and haters, alike.
Some choose to be bold and share their personal updates with the world. Those who don’t, often get targeted by paparazzi and eventually, find their lives being shared online. And from here begins a spree of cyber-bullets and a throng of keyboard warriors spewing vitriol- not caring that celebrities have mental health and families that get affected.
The devastating influence of cyberbullies
With the sudden death of Aamir Liaquat, everybody realised that they have done the deceased televangelist wrong by attacking him with hate comments, harassing him with memes, and mocking him after his leaked videos surfaced.
However, the damage was done. He might have died of some unknown causes but it was apparent that solitude and depression compelled him to go into hibernation and ultimately, made him depart the world.
ALH wasn’t the first and he will not be the last.
So many Pakistani stars get cyber-bullied every day. Some have devised coping mechanisms, either clapping them back with positivity or sheer sass to bring their tyrants down.
Karachi Se Lahore’s hero Yasir Hussain is surely on the top of the list of celebrities who usually become on the hit list of keyboard warriors. How does he protect himself from trolls, we asked. “I am amongst the first stars who got bullied on social media due to my bold views and straightforward nature. From then only, I realised who these aimless keyboard warriors are who
indulge in bullying to bring themselves forward on social media. They do not affect my life. However, a remark of a sort does affect me when it comes from someone close to me and emotionally attached to me. “
Sayaa 2 star Mashal Khan often posts interesting dance videos that become fodder for social media snipers. But she believes that it is best to ignore the verbal attacks, “Focus on fans who love you.
Haters don’t matter.”
Sami Khan is one such actor who posts harmless
content on his social media. However, he too comes under fire - often for his projects that fail to appeal to the public. He too believes that ignoring is the best policy. “Ignoring such comments is the best reply. The trolls are mostly attention seekers.
deal with cyberbullies by not giving them the due importance of a response from my end. The sole reason a keyboard warrior exists is because our responses make them one. The moment they don't
For quite some time, it has been a never-ending debate that stars should be ready for all the ridicule possible as they willingly make their professional and personal lives for the public to behold. However, is it necessary to share life’s intimate details with fans? Also, does fame mean that celebrities will have their privacy stripped even when they prefer to be discreet? We asked celebrities their opinion on the matter on the significance of boasting a social media presence and to what extent one should share their personal details.
“Social media presence is extremely important for stars as their whole work depends on these platforms. So much so, a drama is watched more on YouTube rather than on T.V. However, one should not give it so much significance to the extent of hiring people to grow it and post content,” said Yasir Hussain.
“However, one should share their personal life as they will. I believe one should not share their struggle so openly on social media. From me to Humayun Saeed, we all have been working hard. Our fans have an entertainment avatar in their minds for us and we should let them pertain to that,” he adds.
Mashal Khan too shares her personal life as she deems fit, “I like to keep my personal life private and I post on social media when I feel like I have something to share. There’s no set schedule that I need to keep up with online.”
Meanwhile, Sami Khan believes it is important to share one’s personal life to an extent to update the followers, “It's a sad fact that social media presence and number of followers has overshadowed talent and potential. I don't like sharing my personal life but I have to do it within a certain limit because it's a necessity for today's market.”
On the contrary, Jibran Syed claims it's a no-no to share one’s private affairs on Instagram, “Personally I am quite lazy at maintaining my social media presence but in today's world, it is quite important. As far as personal stuff is concerned, it's a big no from my end. I share only the stuff I want them to know about it and my family and personal life are not included in it.”
If truth be told, some people will continue to love and some will hate no matter what a star does! Perhaps they are vacationing or flaunting an ensemble they love, chilling with their beau, or merely expressing an opinion; the desecrating moment from harassers can come at any moment. But that instant of degradation should never turn into a long-lasting revocation or an unfading controversy that marks the end of their career- or perhaps even their life.
Billed as a Zia MohyeddinKhalid Ahmed collaboration, this Shakespeare adaptation lacks finesseBy Khawaja Amer
Born in 1926, Ismail Gulgee is Pakistan’s most celebrated artist who gave recognition to the mediums of abstract impressionism and calligraphy in the country. The legend continued to bring recognition and fame to the art world till his last breath and remained a true friend to many.
Gulgee was a god-gifted portrait painter and calligraphist who had enjoyed lavish support and plenty of elite commissions. He was one of the artists who would get special requests to paint the portraits of a number of heads of states, including King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and a number of celebrities. However, he was best known worldwide for his work inspired by Islamic calligraphy. Gulgee’s canvases were often quite large and he was known for using materials such as precious stones, mirror glass and gold or silver leaves in his works, so that, technically, they were in fact mixed media pieces. Early in his career, Gulgee has also done sculptures, including bronze pieces that were, like so many paintings, calligraphic information and inspiration, and they were sometimes especially based on verses from the Holy Quran. He had a kind of spiritual learning also which made him different from the painters of his time.
There’s nothing 9 to 5 in my life’, he retorted with a smile, ‘it was not possible to schedule creative time. But then one could certainly write down things to do and wait to feel inspired particular day or not
On a personal note, I knew Gulgee very well, because one of my distant cousins, Khawaja Farooq had married the only sister of Gulgee and I was a frequent visitor to his house. During my days at a magazine, the great painter had come to my office along with Farooq Bhai as the painting legend was tired of having constant problems with his residence telephone line. Farooq Bhai wanted me to take him to the Director Telephone whom I happen to know. My office colleagues were all surprised to see the casually-dressed artiste in my office, and the same was the reaction of the Director when we reached his office. So taken aback was he that the Director immediately ordered the staff concerned to do on priority whatever was required. Though it was all done because of Gulgee himself, he remained grateful to me.
Air Marshal Saleem Arsgad, Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, asked me to arrange a meeting with Gulgee so that the proposal to commission him for a portrait of Allama Iqbal for the newly constructed Lahore International Airport, named after the philosopher-poet, could be discussed. The appointment was fixed for the next day around noon and when I along with the DG reached there, Gulgee and his wife received us personally. After exchanging some pleasantries, we were taken to the maestro’s studio to have a glimpse of his unfinished master-
pieces.
His massive house, adjacent to South City Hospital, had a tasteful décor and the captivating ices of art on the wall and that had a great pull for me. The DG was also in a state of trance as he moved from one piece of art to another. His artworks were quite engaging and tranqilising that it took us some time to get back to the main discussion – what we were there for. While coming from his stu-
dio
Gulgee
get one for me as well. I had no intention to have a glass of milk, but he insisted that I must. The glass was duly served. I delayed having my first sip for as long as I could, hoping that we might move to some other place in the house – studio, for instance – for further discussion and I will have the occasion to ‘forget’ the glass of milk behind. But that was not to be and soon Gulgee drew my attention to the glass. Now it would have been discourteous to delay it anymore, and I picked up the glass, telling myself that it was nothing but a professional hazard that I had to live with. The first hesitant sip, however, changed the whole scenario. It was not milk. Let me tell you. It was a drink from heaven; a cold milk with Khoya, Badam, Pista and I wonder what else was mixed in it that gave it such a divine taste. The whole glass was over before Gulgee could finish his!
-
Gulgee said that he started his day with it as a routine, and ended his day with a glass of warm milk with honey just before going to bed. Milk, he told me in detail, was an important part of his diet. He realised that some people shy away because they fear that it will add much fat to their diet. Others leave it out because they believe that they no longer need it. One is never too old to reap the rewards of drinking milk regularly, he winked.
That was probably one of the reasons that helped Gulgee remain physically and creatively active. I did try to follow the health tips of the great artiste but soon realised that it was not the milk that I was interested in; it was ‘that’ milk and surely beyond my means to afford it on a regular basis.
As decided, I reached his house the next morning to pick him up for the airport, he was ready but there was no luggage with him; nor even a hand-carry. A little surprised – but well-versed in dealing with celebrities and their eccentricities – I simply dropped him at the airport and remained with him till boarding.
He was warmly received at the Lahore
Airport and taken to the Iqbal Academy to select a photograph of Allama Iqbal. As narrated to me by our Lahore airport staff, Gulgee gave quite a lecture to the Academy staff, advising them to replace that particular portrait with a vibrant, firebrand Iqbal who said, ‘Utho Meri Dunya Kay Gharibon Ko Jaga Do, Kakh-ee-Umara Kay Dar-o-Deewar Hila do’ (poor of the world wake and shake up the walls of the palaces of the rulers). ‘It was his thought-provoking poetry that had captivated people all these years. And in your much publicised portrait of the Allama you can hear him snoring’, he remarked, as others just kept their silence. While leaving the place he said in as many words that he felt sorry to look at the collection of photographs at a place that was supposedly working for the promotion of Iqbals’s ideology.
Disappointed with his visit to Lahore, after discussing a number of other options, he decided to go for calligraphy of Iqbals’s famous poem Masjid-e-Qartaba with vibrant and bold strokes. ‘Pakistan has a mission of transforming itself into a developed nation, economically and morally sound enough to compete with other developed countries, which indeed is a great challenge. This could only be achieved through our youth that had the power of ideas, ambition, enthusiasm and ability’, he explained when I asked him about his choice of subject for the work.
He believed that this resource of the youth was an important building block for constructing a strong nation. I listened to him quietly as what he was saying made sense. ‘Country’s population would remain youthful over the next few decades and, thus Pakistan’s future solely depends on the youth and this is the time to motivate the younger lot to become leaders who can lead the nation to economic prosperity,’ he said with a ray of hope in his bright eyes. We had this conversation when way back in 2003 when as a Head of Public Relations of Civil Aviation Authority, I was planning for the inauguration of a new Lahore International Airport but his views are still valid keeping in view the current socio-economic scenario in the country.
He wanted to see great doctors, great engineers, great social workers, great teachers, great judges and great political leaders among the youth. And that was why he was bent upon portraying a dynamic, vibrant Iqbal instead of painting him in a dull and gloomy posture.
Interacting closely with this great artiste helped me have an insight into a man of his standing, stature and repute. For Gulgee, life had been a journey in more senses than one, giving him thrill and bliss that were both sensuous and ethereal. He remained a zestful traveller in the realm of intellect as he was in the beginning of the journey.
I once asked him about the life of an artist. ‘There’s nothing 9 to 5 in my life’, he retorted with a smile, ‘it was not possible to schedule creative time. But then one could certainly write down things to do and wait to see whether one would feel inspired on that particular day or not. The fact is, he continued, the muse does visit whenever it pleases and not necessarily during business hours.’
It is therefore impossible to schedule creative time the one would schedule a business appointment. He was a genius maverick who had some method to his apparent madness, and I often found him to be forgetful about one thing or other.
Recipient of countless awards including Pride of Performance in 1970 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1982, the maestro died at the age of 81 on December 19, 2007.
we stopped in his dining room and were again in trance to see the massive dining table with a precious stone-studded top. We had our discussion and all he said was that he needed to visit Lahore Airport to select an appropriate place for Allama Iqbal portrait. He also asked for some photographs of Allama Iqbal, preferably from Iqbal Academy in Lahore, so that he could select one for the proposed portrait.
had asked me to come to his house the next morning to finalise the ar
rangements for his visit to Lahore, so I was with him again at about 9 AM. He was up and about and was in a cheerful mood. He was having a glass of milk and asked his servant to
He was a genius maverick who had some method to his apparent madnessBy Isra Shams KARACHI
Hirra Babar had several moments during her entrepreneurial career when she questioned whether she was on the correct track.
Even though she graduated from one of Pakistan's top business institutions, she was drawn to fashion since it was an exciting sector in which she could freely express her thoughts, no matter how outrageous. Fashion offered her enormous creative freedom, and the prospect of working at a multinational company gave her the creeps.
Warp, the 33-year-old Lahore native's start-up, was founded in 2016 with the goal of establishing a line of bags for the modern lady. She didn't want to construct just any bag, though; she wanted to create something that combined outstanding design with great usefulness.
“Warp essentially means to twist, so I wanted to re-interpret handbags in a contemporary form,” states Babar, the founder and creative director.
“Good design is something that evokes the five senses - the shape, for instance, is so important, it should pique a potential buyer’s interest. A handbag needs to have its own character.”
The pieces have been shown at a number of major trade fairs and fashion weeks over the years, and include a range of 'hexella' purses in Warp's characteristic, stylish geometric design.
Warp was chosen by the National Chamber of Italian Fashion to exhibit its items at Mipel (a prominent leather handbag and accessories event) in Milan in 2018, and to showcase at Trano (a leading trade expo) at three seasons of Paris Fashion Week in 2019 and 2020.
“I’ve experienced many challenges with growing and sustaining Warp because I’ve been dealing with a lot of firsts
No matter how well we try to put everything in it, we can't ever find anything on time?
Right, ladies?
So why not settle the things once and for all.
Read as I share tips to help you organise your stuff and conquer the dreaded handbag chaos.
Remember, carrying all that extra weight isn't great; it might be causing back and neck strain along with many other problems. You definitely don't need that extra hassle, so let's just stick to 10 essential things you should have in your bag without over-burdening your shoulder.
A go-to makeup bag
Instead of keeping everything here and there, why not keep a small bag that’s got all your basic belongings. Who knows when you get to hit the party after work?
Even if a makeup bag is not your thing, keeping a couple of the essentials or your favourite lip colour on hand is great for touch-ups throughout the day.
Phone and wallet
Keep your wallet in the upper pocket so you can grab it easily when needed. It should have your ID, cards, keys and some cash for emergencies. These items are crucial for everyday life.
Don’t put your phone in the back pocket; slip it into your purse's smaller compartment, so it is safe and easy to find. Always keep a charger or a portable power bank along, so your phone never runs out of juice in the middle of the road.
Hair accessories
Bobby pins and elastic hair bands are your best friends in bad weather. If you have shorter hair, always keep bobby pins and clips to keep your hair tied. A mini hairbrush is also a must-have.
A pair of earrings can also be added to help you look decent when you have to rush somewhere right after work.
Mini tissue pack and toiletries
They are a life-saver – a tissue pack is useful after a spill if you suffer from flu or allergies and a great way to show kindness to strangers. Moreover, keep a small toiletries bag with a few pads or tampons, sunscreen, sanitiser, Vaseline, or lip balm.
Don’t miss breath mints
I suggest you keep two packs of mints or chewing gum to avoid any sort of awkward situation. It is good to have them after lunch to keep your mouth fresh throughout the day.
Self-defence items
You never know how worse a situation can get, and if you
Warp's
This,
ily
have her handbags labelled as "100% created in Pakistan." Babar, on the other hand, realised as she progressed that she needed to teach and educate her craftsmen in order to produce products that not only met, but exceeded, worldwide standards.
“I wanted to mobilise local resources.
It was the driving force for Warp. I wanted my pieces to be made locally and sold globally,” she says. “But it was challenging because no one had demanded better quality from the craftsmen and therefore they didn’t know how to improve their craft. They do an amazing job, considering how much they know, so initially, it was quite a trial and error process. I didn’t want foreign customers to get a bad impression or question our craftsmanship.”
Babar used the example of an international order that not only went horribly wrong, but also inspired her to refine Warp's quality down to the last stitch.
“We had our first retail order for a concept store in Seoul, South Korea, for fifty bags. This was the first time we were shipping such a big order overseas,” she states, “But when the bags arrived, the shop owner was absolutely furious. ‘Is this the quality you want to send us?’
she’d said. I was so taken aback when I learnt how they had carried out the quality check – with a magnifying glass, literally! It was such an educating encounter for me to begin to pay attention to all those little nooks and corners of the handbag. I shared the feedback with my craftsmen and ever since, they’ve improved a lot. There’s definitely an appetite to learn and do better, it’s just that no one has ever guided them before.
Where a design took us six months to master, now it takes us a week to finalise.”
Babar notes that she travels to continue learning the skills of the trade, stating that Warp has had to remain adaptable and in a "continuous learning phase" since its inception.
“I think that is what has helped me in moving ahead, we have more knowledge now than we did six years ago.” After the initial design has been agreed on, a 3D paper prototype is given to Warp’s craftsmen, led by Muhammad Afzal, a master craftsman who Babar met in Lahore in 2016.
“He made some really nice samples for us in his first few attempts,” the entrepreneur recalls, “Then, when he came on board, he set up his own workshop and hired apprentices and craftsmen. Afzal’s always very curious and keen on learning new things and bettering his craft. He used to further research the techniques we’d speak about by looking up videos on YouTube. He understands the work that we’re doing and we work more like partners. It’s a shared learning process that’s built on a foundation of mutual respect.”
Babar says she's working on spearheading exhibitions in the Middle East, which, interestingly enough, is where the majority of Warp's clients are based. She hopes to take Warp to Paris Fashion Week in September this year.
"As an entrepreneur, nothing makes me happier than holding a completely functional product that was once just an idea or a notion in my hands." It's at that point that you forget everything about the sweat, blood, and tears that went into creating it. Building a business takes a lifetime, and I want young entrepreneurs to understand that the first few years are spent figuring things out. Expect to wait a while for the findings."
are a lone traveller, safety items such as pepper spray is a must to keep you protected.
Pen and notebook
Sometimes you need to note something urgently and can’t find anything to write with or write on. A pen is a wise man’s
gift and you should always keep one in your bag.
Wipes to save the mess Face wipes are super useful for the small messes that can ruin your day, like spilling a coffee, makeup on your top, or just wiping your face to beat the heat.
Lastly, medicine
This is the most important item but will obviously depend on your circumstances. It is always great to have a few OTC anti-allergic or pain meds in your handbag for an emergency. Now that you know what to keep in your handbag, it’s time to eliminate clutter and have a neat, organised purse.
A girl's bag tells a story; you can't imagine what all it has until you get to the bottom, and there is always something special to surprise youworking in this region,” Babar states, “We had no competition when we started out and had an open playground. Whatever mistakes we made initially were also somehow forgiven because there was no one to compare us with in the local context. Pakistan is one of the largest leather exporters in the world and it’s sad that we don’t have a single commercial brand that’s selling high value goods overseas.” items are sophisticated, seductive, and edgy, with prices ranging from $80 to $500. While not cheap, Babar admits that honing the quality down to perfection during her start-up's early phases was an absolute nightmare. according to Babar, was primar- owing to her desire to
It is official: Manicures are stealing the spotlight this year, and the vibe is absolutely fun and colourful!
By Zehra Batool KARACHI
A quick scroll through social media shows that nails have evolved into their own accessory. This summer, we recommend a change of colour palette to psych you up for the season.
Artistry is all around you: we have compiled a summer mood board that will inspire you. The nail trend dominating the year is an effortlessly unmatched set of nails. The options may be nearly endless, but we have tried to narrow down the year’s most popular nail colours. And believe us when we say that there is a little something for everyone. Whether you prefer a subtle and classy look or an overblown trippy vibe, we have got it all covered. Nail paint is rather easy to change up without a big-time commitment, keep reading to check our top picks!
Citrus Bright citrus nails are sure to be the ultimate grandstander this season. Imagine you are laying out in the sun with a cold drink in hand, your bright green fingertips looking like a slice of lime. If that doesn't scream summer, what does? Bright shades of orange, yellow, and green are the best colours for summer.
1) Complementary colours
It is all about combining different colours. Whether you go with the swirl pattern or an abstract design, if the colour choices work well together, they create their own tale. Don't know where to start when it comes to mixing and matching? Begin by combining two colours, but from the same colour family.
2)
Neutrals
The All Girl Band (TAG)
Pakistan’s new pop sensation The All Girl Band has taken over the internet and are on the fast track towards becoming a leading girl group destined to break stereotypes and boundaries. Made up of lead vocalist and guitarist Anna Salman, violinist Amal Nadeem, tabla player Sumera Waris, drummer Mishal Faheem and sitar player Shazrah, TAG was founded in 2016. With over 1 million views on YouTube, its female line-up stand out in an often male-dominated music industry.
After making their debut on NESCAFE Basement, driven by resolute determination, the young women have been making music and are here to stay. At tender ages of finding oneself, they discovered their passion and turned it into a profession in a truly admirable way. Following their first appearance in the music scene in 2016, they have already claimed their space in the music industry, slowly and gradually
Soch the band, comprises of two very talented musicians, Adnan Dhool and Rabi Ahmed. The duo offers a unique, fresh and soulful approach to their earthy music. Adnan Dhool at the helm, with his gritty vocals, complemented by Rabi Ahmed’s guitar rhythms. With there thought provoking lyrics, Soch takes you on a journey, hitting on to the harsh realities to the raw emotions of life. Soch’s first ever received some mainstream radio airplay of which the World-wide release was done in collaboration with Indya Record and was first exclusively aired on 9x Network in India.
Soch’s Bollywood debut is a track titled ‘Awari’ for ‘Ek Villain’ starring Shardha Kapoor, Sidharth Malhothra and Ritesh Deshmukh. The song led them to be nominated in many big award shows like IIFA, Filmfare, Life OK and alike.
Kashmir
They came, they sang and they conquered. Kashmir the band has been on an amazing journey in Pakistan’s music scene right from the beginning when they first appeared in Pepsi Battle of the Bands. Though it was their win that opened great new avenues for the band, their unique sound and live energy is what caught everyone’s eye right from the beginning. It was after a while that Pakistan saw an alternative rock band with this potential that lived up to its expectations. The band created their own territory proving their worth as independent artists with highly conceptualised music, thoughtprovoking video concepts, impactful lyrics, powerful vocals, and the melancholic feel to every songs.
Young Stunners
Talha Younus and Talha Anjum are ruling the music scene in Pakistan. Together they became the amazing Young Stunners and are regarded as the voice of this generation. Urdu Rap was an unknown territory where no artist ventured. In such circumstances it was pure dedication that kept them going. They had no connections in the music industry yet it was their passion, belief and the power of doing the unthinkable.
Their unique talent has given birth to many more singers in the music genre but Young Stunners enjoy the reign by being the rap pioneers in Pakistan. Their refreshing hip hop beat, enthralling video con cepts and intriguing lyrics have made their songs the new sound of the nation.
When an eclectic group of people collaborate for a creative project it is likely to create sparks. The case of Bayaan is no different. Bayaan is an alternative rock/contemporary pop band hailing from Lahore, consisting of Asfar Hussain, Haider Abbas, Mansoor Lashari, Shahrukh Aslam and Muqeet Shahzad. The band first rose to prominence when its members were featured in Nescafe Basement and later made headlines after winning the third season of Pepsi Battle of the Bands in 2018.
Bayaan is renowned for its lyrical prowess and experimentation alongside thought provoking music videos. The five-member band which believes in producing original content, takes inspiration from different genres of music. From Mehdi Hassan to Dream Theater, Junoon, Iron Maiden, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden — the playlists of the band members are as diverse as they are.
and "Permission to Dance
AFP
At the peak of their success, K-pop megastars BTS made an emotional announcement to fans that they were taking a break from the super group to focus on their solo careers.
The bombshell announcement late Tuesday night sent shockwaves through the septet's global fan base, and caused the share price of their label HYBE to plunge, even as it pushed back, saying the band mates would still work together.
AFP takes a look back at the band's recordsetting run to global superstardom:
2013 Debut
On June 13, 2013, BTS debuts as a sevenmember boy band. The members, J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Suga and V, are selected through a combination of recruitment and auditions, and undergo intensive training before the group's launch.
2017 US breakthrough
Already stars in their native South Korea, the band sets their sights on the world's largest music market: the United States. They become the first K-pop act to perform on the televised American Music Awards.
Billboard success
2018
In a vivid illustration of the band's growing appeal, BTS becomes the first K-pop group to top the US album charts. In May 2018, the band led the Billboard 200 — which rank albums via sales, downloads and streams — with their album "Love yourself: Tear".
United Nations
As their cultural clout grows, BTS are invited to speak at the United Nations. They use the platform to tell young people to be themselves.
Addressing a packed hall at the launch of a UNICEF youth campaign, group leader RM urges youth to "just speak yourself" regardless of their race, gender or identity.
success
2019 UK chart
The band sets another record, becoming the first Korean act to top Britain's album chart
with
First break
After topping charts in the US and Britain, BTS takes their first "long-term" break since their debut, citing a need to "recharge and refresh". But the band is back within weeks, with a tour that included a show in Saudi Arabia.
2020 'Hot 100'
In September 2020, BTS becomes the first South Korean act to dominate the top US singles chart, with their English-language hit "Dynamite" going to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
The achievement comes hours after BTS beat American musical heavyweights including Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift to score the Best Pop award at MTV Video Music Awards.
The group goes on to top the US singles chart repeatedly with other songs including "Butter"
Grammy nominations
BTS became the first Koreans to receive a Grammy nomination. The group was nominated for best performance by a pop duo or group for its English-language hit "Dynamite", but couldn’t win.
BTS was nominated again in 2021, but after being disappointed, Suga says: "I'm thankful there are still barriers and challenges we can try to work to overcome."
2021 Artist of the Year
BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards, the world's largest fan-voted awards show.
The septet also scooped awards for Favourite Pop Duo or Group and Favourite Pop Song for their hit "Butter" at the glitzy ceremony is Los Angeles. The win marked the band's ninth AMA.
Second break
In December 2021, HYBE announced that BTS would take a "second official extended period of rest" in order to recharge and seek fresh inspiration.
The band performed again, with a sold-out series of concerts in Seoul in March 2022, their first post-pandemic performances in their native land.
2022 White House
In June 2022, BTS visited the White House for a meeting with the US President Joe Biden.
The group used the trip to call out growing anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States.
A new hiatus?
BTS announce they're taking a break from the group to focus on their solo careers in an emotional video appearance.
Speaking to fans in a YouTube video marking the band's ninth anniversary, the members say they are "exhausted" and need time apart.
Their label HYBE pushes back, saying BTS will be doing "team and individual projects simultaneously".
Pakistan’s independent music scene is thriving, with emerging and established artists from around the country releasing music you’ll want to put on repeat.Bayaan "Map of the soul: Persona". The milestone comes ahead of the group's two sold-out shows at London's famed Wembley Stadium. By Maheen Aziz
There are a few inspirational people who you meet once in life and they leave a lasting impact on you with their words or work. Having met celebrities every now and then, I realised that everyone is camera conscious, or I should better be saying that they are conscious while speaking to a journalist. However, it often happens that a few, especially senior celebrities, are not afraid to speak their or your truth. They do not dread speaking about their roots, where they belong to and everything you ask them.
It was my first visit to FM Radio 103’s office when I bumped into the veteran actor, Rashid Farouqi. Dressed in a half sleeve check shirt and casual camel-coloured pants, he was busy using his phone while Iqbal Shah, the RJ of the show, distracted him and introduced us. We were
heading for lunch after the show was over and Rashid joined us.
I professionally introduced myself as I knew that he is a senior and I should be breaking the ice first. We took the elevator and reached the nearby food centre. We sat upstairs in the hotel and ordered food. I did not know how to begin the conversation as sometimes you don’t want to sound like a fool in front of a walking acting institute sitting right in front of you.
I gathered the courage and casually started talking. ‘So which drama of yours is currently on-air?’ Ah! This is not what I meant to say, I thought to myself. ‘There are two dramas currently on-air’. He politely answered while putting his glasses and mobile on the table.
I asked another question not to break the tempo of our conversation ‘ Who is your favourite co-star’? He smiled and said ‘I don’t know actually.’ I looked at him as I could not understand his reply. ‘I don’t know your definition of having a good costar but I personally like Saleem Mairaj as he has been my companion and we started this journey of acting together.’
People know that Rashid Farooqui started his career as a theater actor but not many know that he used to work in a government office as a peon and had never even imagined in his dreams that his life would change and he would become an actor.
‘I was a peon in a government office.
Someone asked me if I want to act in a theater play and I said yes. Then I never looked back. Acting is what I have been doing since then.’ Watching Rashid’s plays, movies and dramas one would clearly understand that acting comes naturally to him. He started doing theater and there is no doubt that what actors learn from theater speaks volumes when they perform on big or small screen.
'It was not easy to get into the industry. Today actors have access through many platforms. When I decided to do acting, I never looked for any other job. Acting became my passion and last love.' Rashid explicated that how there werent any big production houses and actors would be self critical about their performances as there weren't any social media or fan based platforms to get the feedback which was, near to him, quite difficult.
'I always believed that what I have perfromed will pave my ways and get me another drama, film or play. Therefore, I have always been absorbing characters so when I perform I should not have my personality's reflection in it. People should not be watching Rashid Farooqui but the character I am playing.'
It was surprising for me to know that not many theater actors could make it to the position where Rashid Farooqui is today. Was this his determination that led the way or he had no other option? 'Have you heard of Ghazanfar Sahab?' He asked me. He noticed my expressions and got his answer that I probably do not know him.
I had a theater group called Baang in which Mohammad Hanif would write plays for the group whereas Mussadiq Sanwal would be directing the plays. One of our plays called Marney Kay Baad Kia Huga went so popular that it encouraged me to spread my wings as an actor and I reached to Ghazanfar Ali's office.'
He continued,' He would not meet anyone without a meeting appointment. But I was adamant that I would meet him. I went to his office consecutively for two days and finally met him. I asked verbally told him about my profile and asked him to give me a role in TV drama.'
I asked him which role did he ask for and which drama was it? He laughed and replied that he was ready for any role becuase he just wanted to act as it had become his bread and
butter now. He finally got the role but as he is highly self-critical he told me that his performance was not at par.
'I knew that I haven't performed well. But yet I went again and asked Ghazanfar Ali to give me another chance which I am sure he never regretted.' He replied, laughing.
Rashid did more than 90 plays for Ghazanfar's private TV channel NTM. 'I explored this medium which was bigger and people now knew me by my characters and they would often stop to meet me on the streets. It was pure joy, I must say.' The shine in his eyes was worth watching.
His eyes looked untired of acting as he recalls moments from his sets and beginning of his career. However, he said that monotony tires him. He is not happy if one character is being offered to him again and again. ' I rarely reject any project as I am a passionate actor. Having said that, there are times when I find characters similar to the ones I have already performed but I try to do it differently and watch the episode when its aired for self-analysis. As I am a firm believer that my present performance will bring me the next project."
How the film industry's doors opened for Rashid?
"It is another interesting story," he says, "I never stopped theater though; with one or another group I was doing theater side by side. Although Ghazanfar Sahab was the pioneer and he is the pillar of the industry that is standing firm today, but other production houses started opening and I started getting offers for dramas. It was during that time when a producer wanted me to cast in her movie and I happily agreed. After sometime someone told me that that producer has finalised the casting and your name is no where there. She thought that I was not fit for any role."
"I went to her office and waited for her. The next day I put my concern in front of her that I was supposed to be doing a role in your movie but I have heard that you have completed casting. She called me to her office and asked the same guy to read the script for me. I was offered the role of Shankar in her movie Ramchand Pakistani." He proudly tells me.
He kept mentioning that work needs commitment and devotion without which he could have not reached where he is today. He said that destiny plays its role but one's hardwork also pays off. " I was nothing 40 years ago, but when I was given an opportunity I explored my talent and then never let any chance go in vain. I never fought for lead or second lead because I love what I do and delivering it perfectly should be my achievement as an actor. I do not fight for a spot."
"Your acting molds you, breaks you and makes you. By this I mean an actor should develop with his work, progress with his work. Film industry's doors might have opened for me with Ramchand Pakistani but I had to approach people for work since people started thinking that Rashid is now a film star so I was not getting roles for television dramas." He chuckles.
From getting noticed in 2005 with a telefilm Shah Rukh Khan Ki Maut which also won him an award at the 5th KaraFilm Festival, Rashid always aimed to fly higher without giving himself any break or hiatus which actors usually take when they think they have done alot for the time. He also won a special jury award at the festival in 2009 for Ramchand Pakistani. In 2011 he won a Best Actor award from Hum TV for Gullu Ustad. And in 2012 at the SAARC Film Awards he won the best actor award for Ramchand Pakistani
His acting prowess speaks of his passion and hunger to learn more everyday. There is no doubt that theater has produced brilliant actors and Rashid Farooqui is one of them, a living legend and actor par excellence who has been delivering back to back strong performances.
By Kaukab Jahan KARACHI
The cinema industry in Pakistan is all set for a resumption ahead of its most successful phase of Eid ul Azha. Most of the highest-grossing films in Pakistan have been released during this period, and the audience is waiting for the festive occasion anxiously. With Cinemas across the country now fully operational for the first time since March 2020, this Eid will see the clash of two of the most-anticipated flicks – one of them being London Nahi
Jaunga
The Nadeem Baig directorial suffered the most due to the pandemic since the makers weren’t able to travel to London and had to shelve the film until resumption of air travel. It took the longest pause until the travel and filming in the United Kingdom were completely relieved for foreign filmmakers.
The film stars Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan in leading roles while Gohar Rasheed, Vasay Chaudhry, Sohail Ahmed, Iffat Omar and Saba Hameed play supporting characters.
The first spell of London Nahi Jaonga was shot in the historical city of Bahawalpur in the first quarter of 2020. The southern city of the province was chosen as the story demanded to show the lords of Punjab with all their egos in gigantic Havelis, and the town is abundant with those magnificent palaces.
I also had the chance to visit one of the Havelis , where the shoot of London Nahi Jaonga was taking place. It was a chilling night of the first week of March 2020 when I travelled to Bahawalpur from Karachi. . The next day after the sunset, and after contacting the production team, we reached the venue where the shooting was taking place at a Haveli with large gardens and beautifully constructed architecture which reminded me of the richness of the city.
The leading man of the film Humayun Saeed was gracious enough to greet us when we reached the place. He told us if we had come a day earlier, we could have had the opportunity to have more scoop from the shooting of a blazing dance number. I observed it was chillier than the last evening, might be because of the open area spread over miles.
Humayun Saeed and Mehwish Hayat were supposed to do a rain sequence soon and when the mercury went down to some 8 degree Celsius. I realised that an actor’s life is not a bed of roses as they work hard behind those scenes which we finally enjoy at the comfort of the cosy and comfortable seats of cinemas.
As I entered the palace everybody from
set designer to lighting and camera teams and production staff, all were busy here and there. Nadeem Baig, the director of the film, was the most stressed person around as just after greeting us, he ‘directed’ us to sit on the chairs around a dining table, where we were served with steaming hot tea. It was quite difficult for us to find and fit three chairs there properly as the room was cramped with wires, extra lights and other supporting materials. In an adjoining room, Mehwish Hayat and Vasay Chuadhry were recording their ‘confrontation’ scene, which the director wanted us to watch. It took a good half an hour before the director called ‘cut’ and the camera team moved on to the next scene.
Nadeem Baig, who is known for his highest-grossing films at the box office including Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (2015), Punjab Nahi Jaongi (2017), and Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 (2018) then left to prepare for the next scene, and I was left to mingle with the cast. In what seemed like a makeshift makeup room, the actors were both resting and rehearsing and although it seemed obvious from their eyes that they had not slept very well, yet they were excited for the next scene.
Mehwish Hayat was busy getting dressed up for her next act; her stylist was making sure that she was not missing anything in her looks for the scene. Kubra Khan was quite relaxed as her scene was
not scheduled any sooner. Humayun Saeed was already in his getup and was continuously peeping in and out of the room, maybe in order to keep an eye on the on-goings as he was also one of the
stand, and deliver hard-hitting dialogues penned by Khalil ur Rehman Qamar.
I also encountered Irfan Malik, head of distribution, who told me that most of the part of the film (about 60 to 70 percent) was supposed to be shot in Bahawalpur as the story itself was set in the backdrop of the city. He further disclosed that the first spell was about to be packed soon in the next few days. They were lucky enough to get out unscathed from the upcoming drastic situation as just after a couple of weeks, the whole country went into lockdown. Otherwise, the film could have been delayed, had they not completed its larger chunk before the Covid-19 restrictions.
It was while I was talking to Irfan that shooting for the next scene commenced. After the trail run, both Mehwish Hayat and Humayun Saeed had a wardrobe change and the routine continued until the scene was finally completed. I went outside just to witness how it was going in that chilling post-midnight hours. Both the stars were completely in their characters till the end when Sara (Mehwish Hayat) left the scene with an umbrella leaving behind Chaudary Jameel (Humayun) soaking in the rain.
It was really chilly and I, who was coming from the spring’s warmth of Karachi, did not expect the weather to be that cold in Punjab. My clothing, a long jersey shirt with just a half stole was definitely not enough to cover me from chill-
ing winds. I was told that it was unusual to be that cold in the month of March in Bahawalpur. Surprisingly it actually rained just the next day after the shoot. In the meantime, I also visited the whole palace and found many props and setups on different spots which could tell that place was well utilised for the shoot.
As for the shooting, the production team was relieved when the rain scene was finally over, and they all managed to take a well-deserved break. After exchanging good bye notes, I came back to my hotel just before dawn, and before going to sleep, I noted down the points of the whole experience, and waited for the right time to publish them, which was to me after the release of the trailer.
I could not imagine in my wildest imagination that I would have to postpone it for a good two years. As for the rest of the film was shot in London in the beginning of this year (just after two years of first spell) in a weather more chilling than Bahawalpur.
London Nahi Jaonga is neither the sequel nor the prequel of Punjab Nahi Jaongi but according to Humayun Saeed is a part of the franchise, filmed in a particular setting, quite similar to each other. Now the film is finally coming to grace the screens, one hopes that the hard work of the entire team is lauded by the audience and the film is declared successful, like the team’s previous flicks.
I never fought for lead or second lead because I love what I do and delivering it perfectly is my achievement as an actor. I do not fight for a spotBy Sara Danial KARACHI
The best part about my job as an editor in one of the leading publishing houses is that I get an advance copy of the books. So while everybody is waiting anxiously, I get to secretly enjoy the privilege of reading it before everyone else.
I am glad “No Honour” was one of those. It was an emotionally heavy read and made me want to speak to the author to delve deeper into the notion of writing this book.
What triggered you to write about honour-killings? It is a rather sensitive subject. Was it the social structures which contribute to the occurrence and perpetuation of the practice in the rural areas? Are you primarily profeminist? Or did you want to address the complicit role of state institutions and law enforcement agencies and a web of vested interests? Or all?
First of all, thank you so much for your kind words. I am very delighted to hear that you enjoyed reading No Honour. As a Pakistani writer, I have always felt that I should use whatever influence I have to shine a light on the social injustices that exist in this country. I remember reading about the ‘honour’ killing of a major social media celebrity of Pakistan in 2016, and that got me thinking that if someone with exposure and some degree of influence could be murdered so ruthlessly, what chance did women in the rural areas stand? Who would be their voice? As a writer, one can only hope that one’s work would someday be the catalyst for meaningful social change and that is what I was thinking when I wrote No Honour .
What is your stance on the influence and interference of feudal lords on state institutions, in particular, law enforcement agencies?
Pakistan has progressed a lot over the years, but sadly, the feudal system still wields significant power in our rural areas. My stance will always be that of equality. I believe in equal opportunities
for everyone. The fact that feudal lords are able to evade the law and manipulate the lives of the people working for them really bothers me. It goes without saying that in patriarchal feudal societies, women are not treated very well at all. Nobody should be above the law. Things are changing in Pakistan now, but not fast enough.
Could you talk about promoting education that challenges a patriarchal and feudal mindset in the community, and how important it is for a nation like Pakistan that is riddled with such issues?
Education is possibly the only thing that will help us emerge from these dark times. There are a lot of initiatives being taken to educate young people in rural areas, which is very admirable. Education is empowerment. It will automatically loosen the grip that feudal lords hold over people in the rural, and to some extent urban, areas. That is precisely why feudal lords in interior Sindh challenge educational initiatives because they fear that educated, empowered people would be difficult to control. I firmly believe that education will pave the way for a progressive future.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
I’ve had writer’s block many times, but I haven’t quite had reader’s block. Reading informs my writing and it’s become a way of life for me. It also serves as an escape for me when daily life becomes too stressful. I’ve got over 4000 books in my library and that in itself compels me to keep reading, if only to make a dent in my TBR (to be read) pile.
What does literary success look like to you?
For me, literary success is all about people being able to relate to your work. If your book has made someone out there feel better or has made them feel heard, there can be no greater success. I was very close to my paternal grandmother, and when she passed away in 2020, I was absolutely inconsolable. During that time, I started reading a book called The Weekend by Charlotte Wood, and although the book wasn’t entirely about loss, something in it struck a chord with me, and ended up really helping me. Isn’t that what literature is supposed to do, and isn’t it amazing when it happens? I remember reaching out to the author and her publisher just to tell them how much their book had helped me. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind those glittering red carpet appearances, the seven figure book deals and film adaptations. Everyone wants that, don’t they?
Your literary pursuits are not limited to writing books. Could you let the readers know about The Writing Institute, what it features for the aspiring writers and what is your aim, going forward?
I set up The Writing Institute in 2016 when I re-
turned to Pakistan and found there to be a significant dearth in creative writing courses in the country. Sure, there are plenty of wonderful online courses that aspiring writers can take, but not everyone can afford to pay thousands of pounds for these courses. I wanted to offer an affordable alternative that wouldn’t compromise on the quality, but also wouldn’t cost the earth. I’ve stuck with that vision all these years. We recently celebrated 10,000 students, and even after all these years, my courses remain super affordable and high-quality. That is something I am incredibly proud of.
Has a book ever changed your life? If so, how?
There are many books out there that have changed the way I see the world or have helped me when I really needed an escape. There have also been books that have made me change my perception about something. I don’t know whether my life has changed or not, but I can safely say that reading in general always has a tremendous impact on me. Books that have had a huge impact on me would include: The Secret History by Donna Tartt, This House of Clay and Water by Faiqa Mansab, Better Confess by Alan Gorevan, She’s Mine by A.A. Chaudhuri and Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, to name a few.
You are always out and about, speaking with fellow authors, talking about books in workshops and literary festivals, advising budding writers, sharing wisdom and encouraging works of South Asian authors. Is it a spiritual practice to live amongst the author community that comes to you innately?
You’ll be surprised to know that I used to be an introvert. Speaking to people or to the public at large did not come naturally to me, but it was after I signed up with a literary agent and stepped into the world of authors and publishing that I realised what I’d been missing all my life. Here was a community that not only understood me, but supported me too. And after my books were published, the support literally quadrupled. It always humbles and delights me in equal measure that I have so many amazing people to turn to for help and support. I’ve never looked back, and in turn, I do my best to support as many authors as I can and also help out aspiring authors in Pakistan through my Writing Institute.
How do you choose what books you want to read? Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
I love fiction. I can read anything as long as the story is good. That is what I look for in a book. Good writing is essential, yes, but so is storytelling. I used to be a one-book-at-a-time person, but ever since the pandemic started, my mind has been all over the place and now, I can read up to ten books at the same time. It’s a nasty habit, but I love it.
By Omair Alavi KARACHIHe talks about being fired from his first job as a paperboy, doing odd jobs to survive in the world,
being part of a murder investigation, all before becoming an actor, and if that doesn’t attract you, nothing will.
Since Bryan Cranston’s career graph hasn’t been like any other actor’s, his recollection also had to be different. He doesn’t abide by the chapter-wise discussion but talks about the key points of his life, instead of discussing everything. That’s one of the reasons that makes this book something one could read in one or two sittings. The tone of his discussion is so comforting that the reader feels connected from the first page, and doesn’t miss the pictures until the last page. According to Cranston, he and his brother had to face a lot of challenges when they were growing up. His life changed when his father left his mother to marry another woman, leaving them penniless, hurt, and confused. That one incident made him realise the importance of family, and he vowed never to let his own down if he ever became successful. How he managed to do that, and what were the key steps he took that helped him become successful, he bears it all in these pages.
The narrative is honest and gripping and comes out like talking to a relative whom you have known for a long time. The way he talks about the past seems as if he is taking the reader back in time and guiding him or her in his world. That’s why even the chronologically-moving narrative doesn’t bore the readers at all, even though he moved back and forth on occasions, depending on how his state of mind at that time impacted him later in life.
You can call it a memoir but one without juice – regarding his colleagues, but there is dirt here all right. He discloses details about his failed relationship where the girl became a stalker once he decided to dump her due to her substance abuse. How that relationship changed him makes that episode of his life a must-read, as does the incident where he tries to save a man from an accident, only to realise that he tried to commit suicide by jumping in front of a car. Not only does he talk about his estranged father who went on to live past his ninetieth birthday but also about his mother who kept on meeting men once her husband ditched her. He also tells the reader about his law enforcement career that was over before it could start, discloses details about the bike ride he took with his brother that opened his mind towards life as an actor, and also discusses his two marriages – the first one
that wasn’t successful and the second one that is. Being the real-life good guy Bryan Cranston is, he credits everyone who has helped him in his career be it the electricity guy at Seinfeld, or one of the producers of the X-Files who later recruited him for his career-defining role in Breaking Bad. He does criticise those whom he felt weren’t loyal to their work or were either trying too hard when they should have gone with the flow, but he doesn’t badmouth anyone for the sake of increasing the sales of this book.
The experiences he mentions here can be termed as a catalyst to his performances; he explains how being in an emotionally-draining relationship helped him be Walter White in front of the camera; how thinking about his own daughter made him give the expressions that were required in one specific scene and how growing up without a father helped him deliver a perfect performance in front of the camera. That’s not all, he talks about the many guest appearances, the failed pilots, and the odd jobs he did to earn his own place in the TV industry.
This book would easily serve as a lesson to those who believe that success can be achieved easily because according to Bryan, nothing comes for free. He had to work hard to make a name for himself, and even Breaking Bad didn’t come to him, he had to prove his worth as the bumbling father Hal on Malcolm in the Middle to make others notice him. He tells the readers that it was during that series he tried everything he wanted to do as an actor and got the confidence that helped him in bagging the lead role in Breaking Bad
While talking about his six years as Walter White aka Heisenberg, he talks about his experience of working with a professional cast and crew. However, that doesn’t stop him from giving spoilers without realising that some of the readers might not have seen the series. He not only reveals a few important conflict points of the series but spoils it for those who might not have seen the show. Nonetheless, most of the people who would go for this book would do so after watching Breaking Bad, so there’s no harm done here.
If you didn’t know that the man behind the Breaking Bad drug dealer began his career when he was seven with a TV commercial directed by his father, or that he was shaken after being kissed by a fellow actress during his acting class, or that he got his first adult-commercial because he learned mountain climbing during the break between the audition and selection, then you need to brush up on your knowledge regarding Bryan Cranston.
‘A Life in Parts’ is not a book that would help you become a better actor but it might help you become a better person. The first-person account by Bryan Cranston is so engrossing that it will make you feel like a different person when you are done with the book. However, fans of the veteran actor would be disappointed for he doesn’t talk about his films including Contagion, Argo, and Godzilla as well as those that became more popular after Breaking Bad
He might be famous as Walter White of Breaking Bad, but there is more to the actor who struggled for a long time before achieving fameVeteran film and theater actor Bryan Cranston is right now one of the most famous names in the world, thanks to his successful TV show Breaking Bad . However, there is a history behind that character, which Bryan Cranston explains in his collection of memories ‘A Life in Parts.’ and
As a successful, opinionated and intelligent woman who has been a shining person in the entertainment industry for many years, Anoushey Ashraf continues to be an inspirational personality with solid values, great work ethics and not to mention a whole lot of style. Anoushey has come a long way from when audiences were first introduced to her on MTV Pakistan (Indus Music) where she lit up the screen with her contagious energy as a VJ. Her connection with music has continued and this exclusive interview unveils the intricacies of her amazing journey, how she has kept up with the evolving entertainment industry and its changing demands.
BOLD: From VJ, to actress, to RJ to model, you've dabbled in it all, how do you wear so many hats? Is this line of work something you always knew you wanted to step into?
AA: Thank you for the compliments. I take it as it comes. I try to mix it up. I model on occasion, RJ sometimes, host at times and act too, although the latter I do less of the time. This line of work was my calling. I didn't know that it was something I wanted to step into and I didn't make a very conscious effort to get here. I landed up at the Indus TV Network by chance but once I got there I immediately sort of realised that being in the entertainment industry, being an artist, or just using my creative side was the only way to navigate through life in terms of work. That's how it all began and I'm glad I'm here today.
BOLD: Do you get nervous when on radio doing a show, or hosting an event or acting on screen? If yes, how do you control your nerves?
AA: I don't get nervous doing shows anymore. I used to have an anxiety issue. For years I would go on stage feeling sick, or with a bad stomach because I needed to perform in front of people. But I kept at it, I never made eye contact with anybody (laughs) when I was up on stage. I literally mentally just overcame my fears. I decided to just take it in my stride and realised that so many people come up and say so many things and I'm not half bad. I learnt how to respect myself. Once that happened I gained a little more confidence about who I was and how I was up on stage. Perhaps, in acting I initially got a little nervous as there are a lot of lines to remember, but not even so much anymore (smiles).
BOLD: You are also the Brand Ambassador for WWF - tell us about your thoughts on animal rights in Pakistan and what needs to be done to protect animals?
AA: There's a lot to be done with animal rights. We still see a lot of animal abuse which is rampant across the board, from donkeys, to stray dogs, to cats. Things may have become an inch better in the big cities, but that's where the influence begins because we now see smaller cities which have started their own little shelters which is great. However, we have a very long way to go. According to Pakistan's law animals do have rights.
If you are caught harming an animal there is some sort of fine and jail time. We never really look into these things because it's so far down the chain of importance and priority. The Government needs to take active action and come out and openly say that animals should be banned at political rallies, they should be banned as pets if they are exotic and wild animals, they should be treated for free medically by the Government, especially working animals. A humane way needs to be adopted to control the stray dog and cat population instead of poisoning and shooting them which when done, brings us down to the lowest level of humanity.
BOLD: In the good old days when you started out and were one of the best known and loved VJs on TV, social media hardly existed. How do you compare those simpler times with present times where things now go viral (like your dance) and everything online is so fast-paced?
AA: I do miss the good old days because everything was so much easier and simpler. But I have to admit that I'm adaptable and I like the idea of being able to keep up with change because things will keep changing. Today if it's TikTok or Snapchat or Instagram, I'm glad that I've been able to evolve to a point where I do have my presence on social media. VJs on TV don't exist anymore but our voices on social media does exist and people who subscribe to our platforms genuinely want to listen to us. They're not just 'tuned in', they follow us. Simpler times were simpler in the sense of how much work you were doing, what you had to churn out and how much work you had to do to stay relevant. There is a lot more stress now, however, there is a lot more reach and a lot of things happening. You can dance, you can be an activist, you can plant a tree, and you can do everything well in this world and put it up. The influence goes way beyond what it used to back in the day. So, it's got its pros and cons.
BOLD: Is it hard to keep up with the demands of social media or do you enjoy it? How do you balance the time you spend online in a day with your other offline activities?
AA: Sometimes it's hard to keep a balance and then I do take a break. I take a hiatus but it hasn't happened in a while because I have been doing well in terms of how I am feeling about being on social media. There was a time it wasn't best for my mental health and I had taken a little bit of a break. So, I take it as it comes and I know when I have to slow down. I do put my phone away at 10PM. I log out of all my social media platforms and I don't log back in till the next morning. I do make one or two videos here and there but I upload later if I have to. So I can keep away from online activities. I also take the weekends to move at my pace and I like these days.
I'm glad women are at the forefront in terms of their rights such as equal pay, especially in big cities, after people like us created a ruckus. I really hope and pray that eventually it will have a trickle down effect
BOLD: What is your opinion of platforms such as TikTok? Are they harmful or affecting our youth in the wrong way?
AA: To be honest I don't think TikTok is harming or affecting our youth in a wrong way per say. I don't like this 'ban' culture. If there are kids hanging around at parks and making TikTok videos, dancing and singing, then why not? So those who are on a certain extreme, like burning Margalla Hills and setting it on fire for more views on TikTok, absolutely not acceptable. These people should be given a warning or removed from TikTok. However, if the app is encouraging a few dance challenges, some funny videos and so on, it doesn't cause any real harm. Honestly, I'm not anti-TikTok.
BOLD: How do you personally deal with internet trolls and what is your advice to other celebrities who regularly have to deal with a lot of negativity from people online?
AA: I used to let trolls get to me to a great extent. They used to really hamper my mental health because I used to get into arguments with them, defend my friends and defend myself. As I grew older and got drawn into this whole world of social media, I realised most of these accounts are of people whose profiles are hidden, their faces are hidden and the names are anonymous. If you have the time and energy and you make the effort to just run somebody else down all the time through a fake account. I mean how can you take such a person seriously? All you need to do is just feel like their lives must be much sadder and more difficult than yours and that's why they harbor the hate. It makes it easier to then let go of the negative comments. But sometimes I still put people in their place (laughs).
BOLD: How have you managed to stay consistent and relevant in the industry through the many years that you have been working?
AA: Thank you first of all for acknowledging that I have stayed consistent and relevant. I have. I don't know what happened to be honest. I just kept doing what I love doing. When you enjoy doing whatever it is that you do, feel inspired by it, when you feel excited by it, I guess it comes through. It worked for me. I had no for how to stay relevant,
how to keep on working, especially with television just taking a bit of a downturn. Social media really helped and I guess the art of communication aided me in staying relevant as well. I just kept communication, which I still do and I love it.
BOLD: Please tell us a bit about the 'National Song Competition' which you will be hosting. Why did you want to be a part of this project?
AA: I wanted to be a part of this contest because Rohail Hyatt is on board. He is one of my favourite producers and musicians. We are looking for a celebratory song and we haven't had a good National song in so long. We have such amazing talent which is making music so when this came up to me it was my calling. For me, even though I am not a singer, my association with music has bene forever long. I think it is about time that Pakistan had a nice, new National song. I jumped to the occasion and I can't wait to see what it brings forth in terms of talent and music.
BOLD: You're known for your professional attitude. How do you deal with co-workers who may not have the same work ethics as you do?
AA: I'm glad that I'm known for my professional attitude because I do make it a point to be as professional as I can. If you've locked me for work for ten rupees or ten lakh rupees, if I have committed, I'm on time and I give it my 100%. There are
co-workers who do not have the same work ethics and I dealt with it recently. I almost signed up for a play and I was excited about an acting project after awhile but the main lead had a changing of dates done at his will. He had committed to the project already and then something else came up and they changed the dates for him. I just realised that I can not work under such circumstances and in such an environment. So yeah, my work is sacred, I compartmentalise it and I give it full time and respect, but I can not keep working around everyone else's schedule. I do keep that very clear. I keep it very respectful and professional which has turned out to be good for me.
Today if it's TikTok or Snapchat or Instagram, I'm glad that I've been able to evolve to a point where I do have my presence on social media. VJs on TV don't exist anymore but our voices on social media does exist and people who subscribe to our platforms genuinely want to listen to us
BOLD: What was it like working on Pakistan Idol and what is the criteria for Anoushey to accept being a part of any given project?
AA: Pakistan Idol was a lot of fun. It happened a long time ago and since we were all beginners in terms of such a big franchise coming into Pakistan, it did take a toll on us emotionally and physically. We worked long hours, we needed to ensure that the quality was right, the lines were delivered and the directors took their time with lighting etc.
One of the reasons I accepted that project was because it was such a big franchise and one would like to be associated with it. Again there was a direct connection with music. For me the criteria to accept being part of any given project is how it would impact the people of Pakistan. I have said no to a lot of shows that may have gotten me a big fan base or lots of recognition because they didn't sit well with my values. Sports events, concerts, creative shows, fashion projects and the like sit well with me. That's how I pick up my projects. It matters how they make me feel more than how much popularity they will get me.
BOLD: What is your opinion about the current Pakistani cinema and music industries? Have we evolved?
AA: Yes we have certainly evolved. All these youngsters in music are coming up with new sounds, thanks in part to Coke Studio and the companies who have taken it upon themselves to sponsor music and to keep it going. Online platforms have also helped immensely. I like social media because you put your work out there and you find your own following. People give you that love and respect that you would yearn for otherwise, begging TV channels for instance to air your music. So it has evolved for the better. We have new stars like Shae Gill, Hasan Raheem, Abdullah Siddiqui, Shamoon Ismail, Asim Azhar, Aima Baig … these are really talented musicians. As for Pakistani cinema, yes lots of movies are releasing. I have seen some of the stuff Saba Qamar has done and I am so proud to call her Pakistani and proud that the films she is in, are creations coming out of Pakistan.
So many of our feature films are showing outside of Pakistan as well. I hope that one day we find the ability to tolerate and accept our talent, where we can play our films in our own cinemas as well. I'm referring to movies like Joyland and Javed Iqbal that have not been given the green light. May our public get access to all our films so they have an array of films to watch. That's how the industry is going to grow.
BOLD: What is on your personal music play list these days?
AA: It is quite diverse because I play music for a living at the moment. So I listen to practically everything, but I do tend to shove in Justin Bieber and Dua Lipa just a little more (laughs) than anybody else … I show favouritism there. I love Coldplay and they have always been a part of my list. They are a prime example of how to stay relevant. They have collaborated with BTS and are doing new stuff with Selena Gomez. I have no qualms admitting that I do like commercial music. Pop music is something that I do enjoy also. I've go it all on my playlist.
BOLD: What is your stance on feminism and in your opinion how can the plight of women improve in Pakistan?
AA: My stance on feminism is now pretty solid and clear. I did have trouble with the concept initially when I first heard of the word. I was of the opinion that all humans are equal and of course they are, but women's rights and feminism just speak up for a particular segment of society sometimes targeted, disregarded or sometimes just cornered for the fact that they are of a different gender … they are not a man. That really hit home with me. I'm glad women are at the forefront in terms of their rights such as equal pay, especially in big cities, after people like us created a ruckus. I really hope and pray that eventually it will have a trickle down effect. Once again social media comes into play here. The Government has no choice but to listen to the people if we demand that women are given more rights. Hence the Aurat March, as controversial as it is, goes on every year as it should and as I hope it will continue to do so.
BOLD: You initiated a clothing brand with your sister called Block Seven. Is that still around?
AA: The clothing brand kind of died a sad death because my career steered me towards bigger things. My sister Natasha started her food blog so unfortunately the clothing brand is on a bit of a hold. I wouldn't call it completely dead (I take my words back) … we will revive it perhaps when we have the time and when the time is right. I feel like it will happen sooner than later.
BOLD: What does family mean to you?
AA: Family means everything to me. I am nothing without my sisters, my father and mother. Now that everybody is away in the US, I literally have evenings where I cry and eat by myself because I miss them so much. Family has been my backbone and without them I would be nowhere in my life. I want to emphasise on the importance of family and how lucky and grateful I am for the family that I do have, including my cousins. I love them all dearly.
BOLD: What's next on the plate for Anoushey Ashraf?
AA: Some exciting projects that I am working on. A coffee tale book, perhaps some travels. Whatever seems fun is what I jump on. I don't plan really far ahead. I am hoping and praying whatever is next, I'm able to help people through my work and bring a smile on their face. Meanwhile if I get a call right now to host a concert, I'll be on my way there. So not planning too much but I know there is always good stuff coming up!