BOL NEWSPAPER | APRIL 3 2022

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TABLE TALK

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

BOLD TALK SYSTEMIC DISCRIMINATION

CELEB TALK

Chef Rida Alam - The Boss Lady!

The many phases of Sohail Rana

EnoughRamzan of quotaMai BOL The wait is over!

Q&A with Momina Iqbal

One of the first females to have ever led a fine-dine restaurant in Pakistan

What you should know about the maestro behind Akele Na Jana, Jeevay Pakistan, and Aaj Janay Ki Zid Na Karo on his 84th birthday

The quota system has run its course and now merit is Ramzan essentialtransmission to establish just got The good governance thebetter country biggerinand at BOL

This week BOLD is in conversation with the beautiful, humble and talented actress

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PUBLISHED FROM KARACHI, LAHORE & ISLAMABAD GLOBAL CIRCULATION VIA BOLNEWS.COM

endorsements, performances or anything else. And maybe that was the reason behind our success, we kept out individualism aside and put forward Strings. We focused on excelling on one thing and that was music.

Bold: Was it your comfort zone as well?

By Ebad Ahmed

– Return of the king!

An in-depth interview of one of the artists who knows pristine language of pop music

With three decades of a musical journey, Strings became a part of life for the millennials. The dissolution of the band left a generation heartbroken as they saw a part of their youth ending in front of them. And months after the announcement, Faisal Kapadia broke the inertia present in the music industry with Phir Milenge – a collaboration with Young Stunner for Coke Studio. Bold desk sat with Kapadia to discuss how he is quenching his artistic thirst after Strings.

Bold: Please tell us about the entire song making process of your latest Phir Milenge?

Faisal Kapadia: Adnan Dhool and Zulfi wrote my part of the song while Talha Anjum and Talha Younus wrote their parts. I was first given melody by Zulfi and I instantly liked it – and it was just first Asthai (verse). The later parts weren’t developed at that point. It was the first time I was working with Zulfi. We both were trying to understand each other’s musical perspectives. We both gave our go-ahead for the melody as it was suiting the vocals.

And then we started writing lyrics for this song. When the lyrics synthesised with the melody I realised that they were really touching and at that point I didn’t hear the part of Talha Younis and Talha Anjum. As things progressed every single word started holding an unparalleled impact.

Bold: What is your favourite part of your’s in Phir Millenge?

FK: Sargoshi mein loun Naam tera, Tere liye maine Haaya rakhi hai Bhoola nahi Main bhi tujhe Mere liye, maine Saaza rakhi hai In this part of the song there is depth for such huge respect being expressed here.

Haya (respect) for that one special person while Saza (punishment) for oneself in their love. It is just beautiful.

Bold: Over three decades of journey as a vocalist for Strings.

Must be a tough decision to call it quits.

FK: If you want to drag things you can, it will go on. We could have been doing Strings even if we had turned 70 years old.

In fact we were thinking to perform on stage even if we enter in our 60s. But everything has its time. Let’s take Coke Studio, we were producers from seasons 7 to season 10. In terms of viewership nine and ten were their biggest. But after season 10 we decided to discontinue. Putting that full stop is an easy thing. There is this idea that let’s keep doing it till we can. The work you are doing has its own power. But I think one has to know what their optimum point is.

Linking that back to Strings, we decided that we will never bring days for the band when we are not considered best in the market. It is a global creative phenomena that every rise has a decline. We mutually thought to end it when we are enjoying our peak. After the Strings split, I was taking a break, in no corner of my mind I was thinking of my solo career.

Bold: And then the Coke Studio came. A change of heart?

FK: I got a call from Zulfi and he told me that he is seeing my collaboration with Young Stunners for the Coke Studio.

I always had great respect for him; he is a brilliant producer and composer but obviously we were in two separate bands so never got an opportunity to work together. When he discussed the idea with me, even though I wasn’t ready to work as a solo vocalist but as a musician the idea was too interesting for me to turn it down. It was an opportunity for me to experiment something new as an artist so I said yes. It turned out to be a great experience. I really enjoyed the experience as a singer, musician exploring a new zone that was way away from my comfort zone without thinking once whether it will be a hit or not.

Bold: At a time when musicians are venturing into other areas like acting, morning shows, Ramazan transmissions. You maintained your identity solely as a musician.

Was it strategic or did it just happen to be?

FK: It was intentional and strategic. We were in a band and our first decision as band members was to do everything together.

Be it interviews, commercials, brand

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FK: No. I don’t think that. In fact I really like acting.

Bold: Is it on the cards then?

FK: It can be. Now that there is no Strings, I can do anything. Time has come for me to do things that attract my inner me. I will not be doing things to get popularity because I have left Strings on a high place.

If there comes any opportunity – be it acting or anything else – even if it is not in my comfort zone, I will give it a shot just for the sake I want to try something new.

Bold: Is there anything as an artist that you want to do or explore you haven’t yet?

FK: I have performed all over the world, sang for Spiderman and then Bollywood.

And now I am at a phase where I am really open. I do not have any target.

Bold: You have been a star for generations so how have you found Gen Z. How different they are from the Millennials. Do they have the same aesthetic taste?

FK: I think people grow and change with time. The songs I used to listen in my childhood are not necessarily in my playlist today. Gen Z has definitely listened to Pakistani pop music but how they are expressing today is something completely different as compared to my generation.

Their connection with us is comparatively more than our connection with them. They have been listening our music but as we have just started listening them now. People of our generation are old-fashioned now, they need a connection to connect with the Gen Z and songs like Phir Milenge can blend in and set a perfect example of collaboration. Maybe young people have never heard Faisal Kapadia and those from our generation don’t listen to Young Stunners so this song connects both generation. And such collaborations will fill the generation gap we have.

Bold: Ali Noor in an insta session with you said that he is done with singing his old songs at concerts.

He wants to perform on his new ones but people are stuck with the early 2000s songs. Is it the same with you?

FK: My old songs are really special. We spent ages in making them and in fact they are an important part of people’s lives. Today when we meet people, they tell us, how our songs filled their voids or carried them or stayed with them during different phases of their lives. Peoples’ lives are attached with those songs. It can only happen when you perform mechanically everywhere, but we (Strings) never did that. We never overexerted ourselves with back to back performances. We lived our lives peacefully while doing music which was our passion.

Performing old songs has always been fun.

Bold: People associate their life events with your songs. They were really heartbroken on the Strings dissolution. Any words for the fans?

FK: I was also really sad. I cried for two days after the announcement. My identity was Strings. But the thing is that we have left Strings on a really good level. And the idea that Strings would always have remained on top is also superficial. The time had to come.

Now is the time for second innings. We are settling on a new pitch, facing a new shiny swinging ball.

Bold: Excited for that?

FK: I am. And excitement is really important for life. And that really doesn’t mean that I don’t miss Strings and there is no sadness for that. But I celebrate that sadness. A band that ruled for over thirty years and then left it amicably on a high note without a split is a true thing to cherish.

Bold: In the ongoing digital age where controversies sell, you don’t have one in your name in this long span career of 30 years.

Strategic or that’s how you guys were?

FK: That’s who we were. Bilal and I had a strong family association. Whenever we were done with work, we both would head home. Even if we wrapped up our show at 2 in the morning, we used to drop our kids to school at 6 am. At concerts people would be excited seeing “The Strings” and there was this whole madness of people taking autographs and photos with us but as soon as we would be back home, we would be the dads and husbands. And that kept us grounded and steered us away from any sort of controversies.

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We’re filling you in on all the entertainment to keep your eyes peeled for this month!

By Ghazala Sulaiman KARACHI

Ramadan is surely the biggest season of the year for Pakistani television. Be it game shows, melodramas or comedy dramas, viewers have settled into a tradition of getting hooked to their favourite dose of entertainment post Iftar.

Back in 2018 and 2019, Suno Chanda reigned in everybody’s hearts for two consecutive years. The audience’s obsession with the show was unreal and

we thought that no one will be able to replace the characters Jiya, Arsal, and the craziness of their family. Later, in 2021, Chupke Chupke broke records and became yet another Ramadan play that social media became addicted to – from the memes to the funny one-liners to the various clips being shared, it was everywhere!

Of course, this also causes a cut-throat competition the channels that vie for television ratings and YouTube views in Ramadan. Other than Suno Chanda and Chupke Chupke, stories like Ishq Jalebi and Tana Bana also made waves, but none grabbed eyeballs like the two winning series.

Consequently, preparations for the ultimate Ramadan drama marathon for the year 2022 have begun. The writers, directors, and celebrities are promoting their comedy series in full spring and we wonder who will take the title of the best Ramadan play this time around.

So who is in the race this year? We’re filling you in on what to keep your eyes peeled for, and the rundown of the plot and cast of all trending plays.

Read on to check what entertainment is in store for us that is bound to give social media all the fodder to laugh, debate, discuss, mock, and meme.

Chaudhry and Sons Last year, Ayeza Khan basked in the glory of her hit project Chupke Chupke. Will she be as lucky with the upcoming project Chaudhry and Sons? With the versatile Imran Ashraf by her side as the leading hero, it's quite possible that this Ramadan play can become the next big thing this year.

Both the stars have proved that they are capable of making the audience laugh and keeping them ­entertained. What’s more? The drama is penned by the infamous Saima Akram Chaudhary who has been the witty mastermind behind stories like Suno Chanda and Chupke Chupke. The teasers depict both donning crackling new avatars with Imran as Billu Chaudhry from Punjab and Ayeza Khan as Pari from Hyderabad. Let’s wait and see what their sweet and spicy love story will bring to our screens in Ramadan.

Hum Tum After a hiatus of a year, Ahad Raza Mir returns to our screens with a Ramadan comedy saga, Hum Tum. His comeback is warmly welcomed by the viewers and we’re hoping that he will make a mark like always.

However, it is rather unfortunate that a spree of controversies has plagued the actor, post his divorce. Will it affect the viewership of his upcoming project Hum Tum, scheduled for a Ramadan release? We highly doubt it because the teasers of his upcoming dramedy have already created a splash across social media with its lively cast featuring Ramsha Khan, Sarah Khan, and Junaid Khan.

Touting itself as a Gen Z love story, the promos look promising with its dynamic cast donning what-appears-to-be unconventional avatars. Junaid Khan seems to be a chef in the story, trying to woo Sarah Khan, meanwhile, Ramsha Khan has a rebel role who is at loggerheads with Mir’s character in Hum Tum. The team of last year’s Chupke Chupke, Saima Akram Chaudhry and Danish Nawaz have united yet again for the play. We hope it's a mighty dose of laughter and hilarity.

Paristan If there is one Ramadan series that is giving us major Suno Chanda vibes, it is writer Samra Bukhari’s and director Hasan Ali’s Paristan.

Perhaps, this is one of the major reasons it didn’t appeal to us for it seemed like a run-of-the-mill series, from the looks of its teasers. It portrays a rather clichéd plot of a young girl Pernia essayed by Aymen Saleem who dreams of getting married, in this case to her hero Arsam, played

by Arsalan Naseer.

However, the strength of Paristan is surely its attractive cast. Fans are welcoming the popular duo of Mishi and Hadi in a new story. Along with Aymen and Arsalan, the team of Ali Safina, Navin Waqar, Asad Siddiqui, Mira Sethi, Taimoor Salahuddin, Junaid Jamshed, Merub Ali, Javeria Saud, and Azra Mansoor appear to be a blazing union of stars.

It is exciting to see the humourous and lovely YouTube pair Mira Sethi and Mooroo together in this drama, as they are bring their chemistry on television. Will Paristan succeed in joining the ranks of laughter riots like Chupke Chupke and Suno Chanda? Let’s wait and watch.

It has been quite the year for Pakistani-British actor Riz Ahmed, who won the Best Live Action Short Film for The Long Goodbye at the Oscars this year. It was one of the eight categories that were dropped from the televised portion of the ceremony.

This isn’t the first time the actor was nominated for an Academy Award. The star was also nominated for Best Actor last year but couldn't win. Fortunately this year, the actor’s efforts have finally paid off scoring him his first Academy Award triumph.

The actor gave an inspirational acceptance speech as he accepted the award for his short film. Emphasising the importance of not letting anyone feel left out, Ahmed stated, “We feel that the purpose of story in these divided times is to remind us that there is no such thing as “us” and “them.” There is only ‘we’. This is for anyone who doesn’t feel like they belong. Anyone who feels like they’re in the middle of nowhere. You’re not the only one who feels this way. We’ll be waiting for you there.

That’s where the future is. Peace.”

The Long Goodbye, a short film by Riz Ahmed, incorporates music from Ahmed’s 2021 album of the same name. The plot follows a South Asian family in London that is harassed at their house by members of an all-white militia in this live-action short.

The Kite Runner, a 2003 novel by the Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, is in works to be transformed into a Broadway play featuring Pakistani-American actor Faran Tahir who is playing Baba, protagonist Amir's father.

Tahir was born in Los Angeles, California, and has appeared in films such as Star Trek (2009), Elysium (2013), and Escape Plan (2013). He is most recognised for his performance as the villainous Raza in Marvel's Iron Man (2008).

Tahir's wife, Pakistani star Zara Tareen, shared the cast news on Instagram, expressing her delight at Tahir's inclusion in the play. Directed by Giles Croft, The Kite Runner is due to begin performances on July 6. The play, which will be the first one scheduled for the 2022-2023 Broadway season, is produced by Victoria Lang, Ryan Bogner and Tracey McFarland of Broadway & Beyond Theatricals.

American actor Amir Arison — known for portraying FBI Special Agent Aram Mojtabai in NBC's The Blacklist — will play the lead character Amir. The cast also includes Demosthenes Chrysan, Danish Farooqui, Azita Ghanizada, Joe Joseph, Dea Julien, Dariush Kashani, Beejan Land, Amir Malaklou, Christine Mirzayan, Haris Pervaiz, Alex Purcell, Eric Sirakian, Houshang Touzie and Evan Zes. Salar Nader, a percussive instrumentalist, will provide music for the play on the tabla.

With this play, both Arison and Tahir will be making their Broadway debuts.

Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Academy Awards after the comedian made a joke about the actor’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. “Jada, I can’t wait for GI Jane 2,” he said, clearly referring to her shaved hairstyle, which was the result of the hair loss condition alopecia.

Smith walked onto the stage and hit Rock before returning to his seat and yelling, “Keep my wife’s name out of your [expletive] mouth!” Smith later apologised after he won his first Academy Award for his performance in King Richard as the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams. “I want to apologise to the Academy. I want to apologise to my all my fellow nominees,” he said during a tearful acceptance speech for best actor.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which organises the Oscars, issued a statement saying that it “does not condone any form of violence.” Much like previous Oscars that were defined by their viral moments – such as Ellen’s group selfie or the best picture winner mix-up in 2017 – this will now forever be the Oscars where Will Smith punched Chris Rock.

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By Omair Alavi KARACHI

You may have seen him sing on TV, act in films and host stage shows and cricket programs but do you know that the multi-talented Fakhre Alam can also fly? Three years back Fakhre Alam became the first Pakistani to circumnavigate the globe and a few months later, he published a book regarding his Mission Parwaaz.

In that book, Fakhre Alam discusses his biggest achievement to date, becoming the first Pakistani ever to successfully fly around the world, solo. He talks about his love for planes as well as how and when his interest became his obsession, and what made him go for the ultimate achievement for any pilot. He also discloses that music might have made his entry into showbiz easy, but the flight was always his first love!

With the help of aerial pictures as well as those taken on the ground, in different cities, and a narration that is closer to reality than Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, the now acclaimed author takes you on a journey across the globe without moving. The readers will get to know what made him take the giant leap of faith that no Pakistani had taken before, how first his parents and later his wife supported his quest despite knowing its dangers, and how his friends always stood by him no matter where he was on Planet Earth.

That’s not all, he also talks about his preparations regarding Mission Parwaaz, and how he managed to select the aircraft for his flight, the destinations, and the route and above all, why he chose Florida for his journey’s commencement and conclusion. He also thanks his colleagues and guides without whom he wouldn’t have been able to complete this mission, and who steered him in the right direction and in the best manner towards achieving the impossible.

Not only do his achievements find a place here, the readers also get to know about the major setbacks faced by the author during the final leg of his journey. He explains how things could have gone wrong for him, how restless he felt during the flight and why

he was detained at the Russian airport, as well as later released through the Pakistani ambassador’s intervention.

The readers also get to know after reading the book that Fakhre Alam kicked off his 28-day tour from Florida and had to do 26000 nautical miles while flying through all the mediums of the planet to achieve circumnavigation. He flew to over 30 airports, travelled a distance of 50,000 km across the world and met people from different cultures, something you don’t often get to do without leaving your comfort zone.

To complete any journey, the route is of utmost importance, and Fakhre Alam’s route from Florida to Boston, then to the Canadian Airbase in Goose Bay and later Greenland and beyond helped him realize a lot of things, which he had penned in his words in these memoirs. He also explains his reasons behind the act of going around the world, and it has nothing to do with his stardom but everything to do with Pakistan.

For those who grew up during the 90s, Fakhre Alam will always remain the ultimate TV host who travelled to unknown places; nobody can forget his trip to Spain for Gulls and Guys where he made Pakistanis fall in love with Spain, and its culture that bears resemblance to our own culture. In this book, he keeps the narration style the same, making his readers feel as if they were co-pilots with him, on his memorable journey.

On the whole, the book chronicles Fakhre Alam’s adventurous journey around the globe in an excellent manner. He has dedicated it to all those who dream and believe in themselves and above all, want to go out and do the unthinkable. Rather than making it into a travelogue, he publishes his book in an easyto-read, easy-to-understand manner where every journey is divided into a simple chapter, for easy reference.

Yes, you can call it a pictorial on the basis of high-quality pictures, but without meaningful text, that would have been harder to decipher for readers. The firstperson narrative of this 220-page book connects with the audience easily and can make you forget your life in COVID-19, and fly like a bird for the time being.

were when they left. CFU was a watershed moment in my life. It was my dream job, and I consider myself fortunate to have had it as my second home.

Heading towards aviation, when did you plan that ‘sky is the limit’?

By Isra Shams One of the first females to have ever led a fine-dine restaurant in Pakistan, Chef Rida Alam is rightly lauded for her creative and innovative lifestyle when it comes to food. Betting big on her obsession, with a balance between innovation and tradition, Rida has made a reputable position in the food industry while working as lead chef at CFU Steakhouse, Karachi. Now, as she steps ahead towards fulfilling her life long dream of being a part of the aviation industry, ‘Sky’ is her only limit!

When did you decide to become a chef? What was your first exposure to culinary art and work?

I never intended to become a chef; instead, I envisioned myself as an airline cabin crew member. My first institution was my mother, always cooking fresh and healthy produce. Inspired by her, I would create different dishes using versatile products and fusing flavours together from a very early age. However, it began in O’ levels when I decided on taking up home economics, which included studies in food & nutrition, food technology, fashion & fabric, and home management. This is where I learnt the fundamentals of being in the kitchen.

I was never a good student, but after doing O’ levels, I received the highest marks in home economics because it was not just a subject for me, but also my passion. However, after my studies, I would say that I squandered three years of my life deciding what to do with my career because I couldn't find a reputable culinary institute to hone my skills. To become a good chef arose from my desire to care for my home, specifically the kitchen, as all of our mothers wish for us to do. These fundamentals are what have propelled me to the position of professional chef that I am today. Girls and women today are embarrassed to do housework or feel it is stone-aged, but this is all what has made me who I am today.

My first foray into the culinary world began when I began training at COTHM (College of Tourism & Hotel Management). I would often stay ahead of the class because I already knew more about food and nutrition, but aside from food, we were taught to manage and keep our space clean, including mopping and sweeping the floors as it all came to be. After that, I spent a year as an apprentice at the Marriott Hotel Karachi, my first professional job. I've worked in Marriott's bakery and butcher shop, but it was the attitude and impression of a chef in a uniform working in a hot kitchen that attracted me more and that’s where I led myself, further learning how to manage the hotel food system profoundly.

How would you describe your overall cooking philosophy?

My cooking philosophy can be summarised PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R

The love of food and the obsession with flavours, ingredients, and techniques are the chef's source of strength as "I love to create new things." I don't always use the same recipe because I believe a true chef is one who creates new recipes based on what flavours pair best with each produce. I also believe that food should look as well as taste good. When a customer enters a restaurant, the first sight of the meal creates a mouthwatering sensation in them.

So, if it appeals to the eye, it also appeals to the heart and palate. This is why I enjoy my job so much: I bring to the table food that people eat wholeheartedly, satisfying their appetites with the best of all tastes.

Furthermore, I prefer to cook with fresh and natural ingredients rather than processed foods. Not only that, but I try to make the entire recipe from scratch, such as making my own burger bun, pizza sauce, pickles, and so on. In doing so, I keep track of the nutritional value of my food in order to eat healthily and avoid excessive fats. Finally, I always try to keep my food recipes simple rather than complicating them with various ingredients, as I believe this detracts from the true flavour of the meal.

Belonging to a male dominant society, what challenges did you face into achieving the success you hold today as one of Pakistan’s lead chefs?

I'm not a feminist, and I believe that a man has a higher status than a woman, as Islam also depicts. The true meaning of feminism, according to what I believe and strive for professionally, is that we work in a balanced manner. In terms of difficulties, there are always difficulties to be encountered.

When I first started working in this field, some of the guys in my class would make fun of me for being so thin and frail while working in such a harsh environment with sharp knives and such. Though it had an impact on me at the time because I wasn't always this bold and confident, I never let it bring me down because I was confident that I would overcome it.

My father had always been an inspiration to me; he was a selfmade, self-established individual, and his faith and motivation helped me whenever I felt weak. And, God willing, today I have so much respect from the people that it's almost unbelievable.

Tell us about all your previous ventures in the culinary world and what have you garnered from all those experiences?

I began my professional career at Marriott Karachi before moving on to Pearl Continental. After a few years, I began a new food career in connection with the media industry, as my father hoped to see me on television as a celebrity chef. So I began as a celebrity chef in a Ramazan transmission that then moved from one channel to another, after which I was approached by Salman Shahid, the owner of CFU Steakhouse, and he asked me to work for him at this restaurant.

At first, I thought it was a joke, but when he called again the next day, I realised I had untapped potential.

He invited me and my family to eat at the restaurant, and when I met him, he showed me around the kitchen, and I liked the overall atmosphere. He hired me right away and asked me to meet with the head chef the next day, which I did, and thus met the 'Meat King,' Chef Khurram Rasheed, whom I regard as my true mentor and truly respect after my parents in all that I have accomplished to date.

He is also a consultant and has taught me a lot. He instilled in me such confidence that he was willing to hand over the Karachi branch to me as head chef, managing the kitchen, guests, front house, and back - believing that I could become a one-woman army.

I worked at CFU as if it were my own restaurant. Salman Shahid, the owner, just told me that every customer who leaves after a meal must be satisfied and happy. He didn't care how many meals were sold, but rather how happy and satisfied the customers

Being a member of the cabin crew had been a lifelong dream of mine since I was a child. I had always travelled, and the cabin crew had always inspired me with their cleanliness, polite attitude, and service. However, I became a chef, but now that I have been given a chance and selected today, I see myself as a Sky chef one day, but there is a lengthy training process that I must complete before I can understand things on air as a cabin crew member. It is a difficult assessment to complete because every detail is scrutinised, from overall personality to gesture, English communication skills, and physical appearance. People in Pakistan believe it is an easy job, but it is far from it.

How different is Rida Alam in a kitchen at home than in a professional kitchen?

I'm not much of a different person when I'm in the kitchen, whether at home or professionally. It's mostly the same story; I don't like any impediments when I'm cooking food, I have three to four stoves going at once, and I cook with nutritive value in mind. The only difference is that when I cook at home, I keep the kitchen clean because it isn't as hectic as it is in a restaurant.

It's not that I can't tolerate anyone in the kitchen when I'm cooking at home, but if anyone is talking or causing a distraction, I simply ask them to leave because I believe that cooking should be done with a clear mind and complete focus. Whether I'm preparing a three-course meal or a simple 'daal chawal,' I try to serve it in a way that appeals to both the eye and the palate. When it comes to food, you could say I'm a workaholic.

I am very responsible when it comes to my home and the kitchen, and I don't want to hire a cook to make my life easier because I feel more comfortable eating what I cook knowing what ingredients I've used. I want to be an alto under every circumstance, a onewoman army. I simply know that I want to do more, achieve more, and be known for a good cause while maintaining a positive attitude in my life.

What advice do you have for the young girls who look up to you as an inspiration?

Cooking is mostly a matter of craftsmanship with talent and some inspiration added, along with a sprinkling of love for the perfect dish; one cannot cook indifferently.

Many people want to become executive chefs right out of culinary school or become food network stars. But in reality its a cut-throat environment. Anyone can cook, but to be a great chef you need to be passionate. It has to come from within you, from your soul. If you want to make it in the kitchen, you have to be tough— emotionally and physically.

Becoming a chef is not easy. It requires sacrifice, motivation and passion and a smile of satisfaction at the end of a long working day, in order to transmit the emotion to the staff and the customers. If a person is ready for this, then they can think of becoming a chef.

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What you should know about the maestro behind Akele Na Jana, Jeevay Pakistan, and Aaj Janay Ki Zid Na Karo on his 84th birthday

The first phase Giving films the ‘filmi’ touch

By Omair Alavi Born on 31st March 1938 in the Indian city of Agra to renowned Urdu poet Rana Akbarabadi, the young Sohail Rana migrated to Pakistan soon after Partition and studied at the Sindh Madressatul Islam (matriculation) and D.J. Science College, before graduating from the National College. Even before he went ahead to attend Karachi University, Rana showed his interest in music; while at the D.J. Science, he composed the college’s anthem when other students were busy in studying for their courses.

After entering films in 1963 through Jab Se Dekha Hai Tumhain, there was no looking back for the young man who first ruled the film music scene, before turning to TV with his patriotic numbers and finally composing evergreen children's songs, which to this day help kids in memorising the names of the months in the Hijri Calendar and the golden words of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, to name a few.

Let’s take a look at the way Sohail Rana planned his journey, and how his career evolved from a newbie in the film industry to the man who made the people of Pakistan feel honoured about their country and also boosted their morale and love towards their motherland with his songs.

When Sohail Rana entered the films, not only the film industry but the country itself was discovering. He knew Waheed Murad through social interactions – cricket being one of them – and when the future chocolate hero decided to enter films as a producer, he offered Rana his very first composing assignment – Jab Se Dekha Hai Tumhain (1963) – which became a hit due to melodious soundtrack.

Although Himayat Ali Shayar wrote most of the film’s songs, it was Masroor Anwar, who wrote just one song, became friends with the young composer and together they became a team that went on to deliver hit numbers – both in films and beyond. Add the director of their next flick Pervez Malik and the team was complete with Waheed Murad as producer, Sohail Rana as a composer, Masroor Anwar as lyricist, and Pervez Malik behind the camera.

Their first collaboration Heera Aur Pathar (1964) has a special place in Pakistan’s film industry as it introduced Waheed Murad as a leading man, and together they continued to churn hits till the mid-70s.

It was this squad that gave Pakistan the many firsts in Armaan (1966) – it was Pakistan’s first platinum jubilee film that ran for 75 weeks which also had the first-ever proper pop song Ko Ko Korina and Akele Na Jana. It helped Waheed Murad become the first heartthrob to rule the hearts of his female fans, long before any other actor had the same effect on either side of the Wagah.

Sohail Rana (along with Pervez Malik) then turned one-time film producer with Doraha (1967) which is known for its melodious numbers Mujhe Tum Nazar Se and Bhooli Hui Hoon Dastaan, that was

followed by a return to Film Arts with Ehsaan (1968) and Ishara (1969), the latter marking Waheed Murad’s (only) attempt behind the camera. It was Rana who encouraged Waheed Murad and Deeba to sing Jaise Taise Beet Gaya Din instead of using his frequent collaborators Ahmed Rushdi and Mala, since he wanted the song to come out as a natural, instead of a regular romantic duet.

Although his absence from the music scene could be noticed from the 1990s, but his film songs, patriotic numbers and rhymes for children have always been entertaining for every generation and are still on the playlist of many

The soon to be a legendary composer wasn’t restricted to just the Waheed Murad-Pervez Malik-Masroor Anwar camp, he even composed songs for Dil Deewana, Shehnai, Mere Humsafar, Saughaat, Bees Din, Baazi, Dil De Ke Dekho, Badal Aur Bijli, Qasam Uss Waqt Ki besides Pakistan’s first-ever English film Beyond the Last Mountain that was also released as Musafir. Although his last film Hisaab was released in 1986, Sohail Rana considers Badal Aur Bijli (1974) his final film as a music composer, the film that featured Aaj Janay Ki Zid and Yoon Nazren Na Pheriye. After composing songs for two dozen films in ten years, he decided to stay back in Karachi when the whole film industry was moving to Lahore, and it proved to be one of the best decisions of his life.

The second phase Going Patriotic with a capital P

In the late 60s, Pakistan saw the rise of TV as an alternate medium to films, and Sohail Rana decided to explore the untapped and undiscovered horizon that would go on to make him the most loved music composer in the country. Besides introducing singers like Mehnaz, Ifrahim, Afshan Ahmed, and others to the listeners across the world, he got fellow composer and poet Mehdi Zaheer to sing Hum Mustafavee Hain when Pakistan hosted the second Islamic Summit Conference in 1974.

It was his composition that immortalized Jamiluddin Aali’s Jeevay Pakistan and Masroor Anwar’s Sohni Dharti sung

by Shehnaz Begum, besides many other patriotic songs like Muhammad Ali Shyhaki’s Main Bhi Pakistan Hoon, Amjad Hussain’s Tera Pakistan Hai, Muhammad Ifrahim’s Zameen Ki Goad, and his own Yeh Des Hamara Hai. Most of the songs aired on TV and Radio these days during national days like 23rd March, 14th August, and even 25th December are compositions that came from the mind of Sohail Rana. Had he PA K I S TA N ’ S N U M B E R 1 N E W S PA P E R

stayed with films, he might have become one of the best film composers in Pakistan, but going the patriotic way proved to be a masterstroke for him, and those who were fortunate enough to grow up in those days.

The Third Phase Educating the younger generation

When Pakistan Television began its transmission in the 1960s, renowned music composer Moslehuddin and his wife singer Naheed Niazi used to host a TV show where they taught kids nursery rhymes and the basics of singing. However, when the couple decided to migrate to the United Kingdom, many others tried to replace them but no one was able to be as successful as Sohail Rana. For two decades, he kept educating the younger generation with his songs, and even today when people who grew up in the 1970s and the 1980s are asked the names of months in an Islamic calendar, they instantly quote Sohail Rana’s song Bara Mahinay Islami Hijri Ke Yaad Rakhen.

The journey that began with Kaliyon Ki Mala in 1968 continued till 1989 under different titles - Saat Suron Ki Duniya, Sang Sang Chaltay Rehna, Hum Hi Hum, Rang Barangi Dunya, Saray Dost Hamare, Sang Sang Chalein, etc. where Sohail Rana taught multiple generations that went onto rule the airwaves themselves. Be it the legendary Nazia Hasan and Zoheb Hasan or the sweet-voiced Afshaan Ahmed and Fatima Jaffery, folk singer Amjad Hussain, or legendary pop singer Hadiqa Kiyani and music composer Adnan Sami Khan, they all appeared in Sohail Rana’s show before making a name for themselves as music entities.

It was Afshan Ahmed who sang Dosti Aisa Nata for the first time and the song still remains popular after five decades; Anwar Ibrahim’s Teri Waadi Waadi Ghoomon is as popular as Jeevay Pakistan today, while there hasn’t been an Iqbal Day

without Iqbal Hamara in a long time. It was these children who sang the popular numbers Chacha Ne Guriya Bheji, Daak Babu, Shawa Bhai Shawa, and Yeh Des Hamara Hai that have stood the test of times because of Sohail Rana’s futuristic approach.

The Fourth Phase Going out with a bang!

Despite being the most popular Pakistani film composer who had worked in films, on TV and composed songs for children, Sohail Rana felt that if he had to make a name for himself, he had to do something for his motherland, besides composing patriotic songs. That’s why he collaborated with EMI in the early 1970s to come up with instrumentals such as Khyber Mail that captured the beauty of Pakistan, musically. He also had the distinction of working with the London Symphony Orchestra and at the Sydney Opera House, which is no small feat for any Pakistani music composer.

Since he was the resident composer for PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) in the early 1970s, he had the honor of composing the inflight music for the national airlines. But nothing could have matched his happiness when he was presented with the Peace Messenger Award by the then United Nations Secretary-General at the UN head office. That award, besides the gold discs from EMI and the Presidential Pride of Performance Award he was bestowed in 1981 and the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2012 remains his prized possession.

His final bow came in 1989 when he composed the anthem for the South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, Asia Kay Saat Mulk Saath Saath. He participated with a group of 95 singers, a 35-piece orchestra, and a 115-piece brass band and showed the world that Pakistan isn’t far behind when it comes to grand music. He migrated to Canada in the 1990s and returned to Pakistan on a few occasions, but if you look at his legacy, it is as if he never left!

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The Ramzan transmission just got bigger and better at BOL with the most knowledgeable scholars, renowned chef, and scholarly judges to judge debate and naat competition whereas the state-of-the-art thematic set is unmatchable

By Bold Desk KARACHI

This Ramzan, BOL Entertainment will be hosting the big and one of the most anticipated Ramzan transmissions in Pakistan, 'Ramzan Mai BOL.' With live transmission of over 10 hours, including Sehri transmission, Iftari transmission and everyone’s favourite Game Show Aisay Chalega Ramzan League, BOL will surely be leading the game.

The show will be a blend of everything one wants to watch in a Ramzan Transmission, with segments catering to everyone’s liking from Sehri all the way to Iftar and onwards. The transmission will be hosted by everyone’s favourite and biggest star of the country, Faysal Qureshi who will head the Sehri Transmission (Live). It will start at 3:00 am every day and conclude at Azan-e-Fajr till Chand Raat.

Sehri Transmission • Hidayat Kay Bol A segment that will mark the starting of the transmission with Qirat and Tafseer to bring peace to your mind and soul.

• Anbia Kay Bol

This segment aims on providing the audience with stories of our Anbias and how all of us can learn a little something from their lives.

• Aalim Kay Bol

Not only will the transmission have Faysal Qureshi’s insight on religion but will also feature an extensive panel of knowledgeable

ulemas alongside him. This scholarly panel will include Mufti Hanif Qureshi, Molana Fazal Subhan, Allama Amin Shaheedi, Mufti Naveed Abbasi, Allama Yousuf Qasoori, Prof. Younus Siddiqui, Mufti Abbu Muhammad and Allama Taqi Mehedvi in the segment called 'Alim K BOL.'

• BOL Baray Anmol

Maulana Azad Jamil will shed light on the chapters related to religion by indulging in Islamic talk sessions during 'BOL Baray Anmol' segment to help the audience learn about the religion in an interesting manner.

• Wazaif

Maulana Muhammad Ali Shah will share various helpful wazaifs in this segment along with Bashir Farooqui who will be conducting a special dua to conclude the Sehri Transmission.

Iftar Transmission Iftar Transmission will start at 3:00 pm with Qirat and Tafseer in Hidayat k BOL, along with Ulema discussion in Alim k BOL.

• Chhoti si Naiki

A segment that will instill little habits of helping others and the reward that one gets in doing so. Not only is this segment a great way to teach children about helping others, but the segment aims to teach various ways of helping others.

• Mehman se Kuch BOL

Various celebrities and politicians will be gracing the segment 'Mehman se Kuch BOL' where they will share their Ramadan experiences – how they usually spend the holy month while balancing Deen and Duniya.

• Star Naat Khuwan

Tabinda Lari and Shafiq Ahmed will judge the soulful and beautiful voices of some of the most talented naat reciters of Pakistan in the Star Naat Khuwan competition. The winners of the competitions will be taking home grand prizes along with consolation prizes for all the participants.

• Star Quizzer

In another competition, Star Quizzer, students will represent their respective educational institutes in a knowledgeable quiz competition. Competitions like these encourage learning and celebrating the true spirit of Ramadan by reinforcing their knowledge.

• Star Debater

Like previous year, the Star Debater segment will

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be returning to host students from all over Pakistan who will be competing and indulging in a healthy debate to present their perspectives on different given topics. The competition will be judged by Mudasser Iqbal, accompanied by a guest judge every day.

• Khilkhila Kay Bol

In one of the most loved segments of Ramzan transmission 'Khilkhila Kay Bol' some adorable children will be a part of chit-chat with Faysal Qureshi and other panelists.

• Bol Zaiqay

BOL Zaiqay, one of the most delicious segment of this Ramzan transmission will be led by the prominent chef 'Salma Zafar' who will prepare flavoursome cuisine for Iftari, and not only that but she will also be giving tips, tricks and recipes that they can follow throughout the blessed month.

• Yaadon Mai Bol

The transmission also aims to remember the people we’ve lost over the years with Yaadon Mai Bol, a segment where Bol will give tribute to the lost legends of Pakistan.

• Aaj Roza Khushai Hai

Children celebrating their first roza will be featured in a special segment called 'Aaj Roza Khushai Hai,'. By celebrating their first roza, BOL aims to strengthen children’s faith and boost their morale.

The transmission will conclude with Live Azan-e-Maghrib from the set. But that’s not the end of the transmission because the nation’s favourite fun-filled game show, ‘Game Show Aisay Chalega’ will commence immediately after the Ramadan transmission.

Danish Taimoor and his unbeatable energy and good vibes will be hosting 'Game Show Aisay Chalega Ramzan League' live, where the audience will play interesting and challenging games to win some of the biggest prizes ever announced in any game show of Pakistan. There will be 6 teams competing with each other to win the title and become Game Show Ramzan League champions.

BOL has decided to give away biggest prizes this year to everyone attending and participating – be it in person or at home, there’s a little something for everyone as BOL wants to give back the love it’s received over the years from the audience!

• Tabinda lari Famous Naat Khawan will be the judge for Star Naat Khuwan • Chef Salma Zafar will be cooking live in a segment of Ramzan Mai BOL • Most renowned and biggest ulema will be in the panel of the show including • Bashir Farooqui • Azad Jamil • Molana Fazal Subhan • Mufti Hanif Qureshi • Allama Amin Shaheedi • Muhammad Ali Shah • Mufti Naveed Abbasi • Allama Yousuf Qasoori • Prof. Younus Siddiqui • Mufti Abbu Muhammad • Allama Taqi Mehedvi • Qari Liaquat Hussain

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The European Commission says it wants to end the fast-fashion model of "take, make, break, and throw away”

By AFP The EU on Wednesday announced proposals to crack down on "fast fashion" by making clothing easier to repair and more durable as part of a push to bolster environmental standards. "It's time to end the model of 'take, make, break, and throw away' that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy," EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said.

The plan, which will now be negotiated by EU member states and lawmakers, aims to ensure that by 2030 textiles sold in the EU will be made as much as possible from recycled fibres and cut down on the amount of hazardous microplastics they contain.

"Fast fashion should be out of fashion, and economically profitable re-use and repair services should be widely available," a statement said.The proposal would introduce labelling on clothes detailing how easily recyclable and environmentally friendly they are.It would also ban the destruction of unsold products "under certain conditions", including garments that had not been sold or were returned to shops.

The EU says that textiles have the "fourth highest impact on the environment and climate change" across its 27 nations after food, housing and transport. The bloc estimates that Europeans buy 26 kilogrammes (57 pounds) of clothing and household linen, 73 percent of which is imported, and throw away some 11 kilogrammes of textiles, or 5.8 million tonnes in total. Textile production has doubled worldwide between 2000 and 2015 but less than one percent gets recycled, and up to 35 percent of the microplastics released into the environment come from polyester or acrylic-based clothing.

The textile proposal was part of a broader "sustainable products initiative" to bolster existing rules aimed at making goods more energy efficient and recyclable. The EU's executive says it intends to tighten its requirements on product design by imposing the use of more durable, resistant and recycled materials. Goods would have to be easier to maintain and repair, with concrete steps envisioned including facilitating the replacement smartphone batteries.

Three years ago, Rashid Rana, one of Pakistan’s most celebrated artists was asked to transform the Pakistan Pavilion into one of the largest artworks of its kind through his artistic intervention.

How well he has done the job to make Pakistan feel proud and happy as Pakistan Pavilion is awarded the best exterior award given by BURJ CEO. From the opening day to the closing ceremony, the Exterior of the Pakistan Pavilion, cladded in colours, has stood tall and proud, attracting audiences from all over the world and becoming a top selfie spot.

On his leading role in the creation of the exterior of the Pavilion, Rana says, “I strongly believe that creative practitioners have an important role to play in the society. Projects such as this one help change the perception of the country.

In this award-winning exterior, Rana has employed a seemingly simple and yet visually stunning experience through the use of sheer color and reflective surface. It comprises twenty-four thousand apparently iden-

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tical but all, in fact, unique pieces, fractionally different from each other in size and color, meld together in harmony.

Rashid Rana has titled the exterior “Unity of all that appears” which draws inspiration directly from the country's diverse population and geography. Rana says, “Pakistan is one of the most diverse regions on the planet; geographically, climatically, culturally, racially, and ethnically”.

The exterior of the Pakistan Pavilion is a true hybrid work of creative practice and it has become an everlasting reminder for the people of Pakistan to create new trajectories.

Rashid Rana, one of the leading artists in South Asia today, is known for conceptual innovation and dramatic visual strategies. He is the recipient of the 2017 Asia Art Award by the Asia Society (New York) and the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, a prestigious civilian honour conferred by the President of Pakistan. His works are housed in prestigious collections including the British Museum (London) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York).

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The 2022 Oscars ceremony kicked off at 8pm ET on Sunday night, March 27, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. As stars stepped out for one of the biggest events in entertainment, we take a look at what luxurious style was on display.

Keeping the Will Smith and Chris Rock drama aside, we loved the voluminous Jean Paul Gaultier gown Pinkett Smith donned when on the red carpet.

The look is deceptively simple, but with a pointed bustier, a voluminous bustle, and a sparkling sash, it’s one of our favourites of the night, courtesy of Armani Privé.

The Legend of the Ten Rings' star Simu Liu looked dashing in a red Atelier Versace tuxedo paired with gold accessory accents and a black bow-tie and patent loafers.

Dune actress Zendaya graced the red carpet wearing a white silk shirt-style crop top paired with a glittering long silver skirt, custom designed by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli of Valentino.

The girl sure knows how to make an entrance, Nyong’o walked the red carpet in glitzy gold Prada number.

The young American heartthrob turned up shirtless and turned plenty of heads, dressed in a monochrome sequin jacket with lace details from Louis Vuitton, paired with jewellery from Cartier.

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American actor Wesley Snipes united with his White Men Can’t Jump co-stars on the red carpet of the 2022 Oscars, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the comedy dressed in a stylish Givenchy ensemble.

Shawn Mendes showed up in a sleek suit from Dolce & Gabbana and a Vacheron Constantin watch.

Edgar-Jones stunned in a green and pink hound-stooth design by Versace, keeping it simple yet chic.

Zoë Kravitz channeled Audrey Hepburn with this classic Saint Laurent gown.

We love the addition of the simple collar necklace, showing that less is indeed more.

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According to the doctors, PCOS is the worst syndrome among women

By Filza Rizwan “The women afflicted with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) do not only suffer from physical distress, but also from mental and emotional trauma.” Arisha Ali, diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 20.

PCOS is one of the most common diseases among young females and every patient going through the horrors of the disease desperately looks for a cure.

According to a study conducted by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in May 2020, PCOS affects 6 to 20 percent of women within the range of reproductive age and has been the most debatable female endocrine disorder in the developed world with Pakistan being no exception.

Reportedly, it is one of the leading causes of female infertility and is characterised by menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, cystic acne, seborrhoea, hair loss, and obesity.

The study further revealed that the prevalence of PCOS in South Asian women, especially in Pakistan, is much higher (52 percent) as compared to the white population (20 to 25 percent in the United Kingdom).

Dr Ruqayya Ashraf, a senior gynaecologist and obstetrician who runs her private clinic, sheds light on the issue, “it is the development of cysts (small fluid-filled sacs) in the ovaries. The causes of PCOS are hereditary, obesity and insulin resistance”.

She further explained the symptoms and said that they vary from person to person but the most common tell-tale signs include weight gain, hirsutism (abnormal hair growth on a woman’s face and body), male pattern baldness, seborrhoea (a common skin problem that causes a red, itchy rash and white scales. When it affects the scalp, it is called dandruff and can be on parts of the face as well, including the folds around the nose and behind the ears, the forehead, and the eyebrows and eyelids), acne, increase in testosterone levels and infertility.

According to a website, Office on Women’s Health, PCOS is a health problem that affects 1-in10 women of childbearing age globally and 1-in3 women in the subcontinent. Women with PCOS have a hormonal imbalance and problems with a metabolism that may disturb the menstrual cycle, body, hair, skin and overall appearance.

A survey by the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA) was conducted in which 52 women between the ages of 15 to 25 years were studied.

Among them, 34 (65 percent) girls were overweight and mild to moderate variations of hirsutism was seen in 46 (88 percent) girls. The survey concluded that PCOS is adversely affecting the lives of young, girls.

“I have been suffering from PCOS and never knew about it. I would have no periods at all. I had hair growth on chin and I was overweight also. I only got to know about it when I got married and was trying to conceive but failed.” Zehra, 25 years old.

According to a nutritionist and hormone health expert, Nazish Chagla, some women suffer from PCOS for years and they only learn about it after marriage when they are trying to conceive but by that time their condition is worsened, effecting their fertility.

The prevalence of infertility in women with PCOS varies between 70 and 80 percent, as per NCBI. Apart from reproductive issues, Dr Ashraf also maintained that the diseases caused by PCOS include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ovarian and breast cancer. “PCOS is the worst syndrome among women, the number of patients has increased in the past year,” she regretted.

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Insulin resistance

Expanding on insulin resistance, she told BOLD that insulin is a hormone which helps regulate the blood sugar in one’s body. “When the body cells stop responding to this hormone, then the blood sugar starts increasing, and due to the elevated insulin levels, inflammation and other metabolic complications, that includes PCOS, may occur”. She further explained that in insulin resistance PCOS, a girl can gain weight, notice darker hair on the chin and body and might also suffer from mood swings. “This type of PCOS gets aggravated with sugar intake. If you can cut down on your sugar, more power to you as sugar is a highly addictive substance, your brain responds to sugar the same way it responds to cocaine.”

Inflammation and environmental toxins

“Women do not know that their surroundings and some of the foods which they eat might also be the cause of PCOS,” said Chagla. She highlighted that deodorants, perfumes, plastic and trans fats (artificial fats) also cause PCOS. “Trans fats like margarine, cookies and candies which are made up of chemically made fats also cause PCOS. Trans fats negatively affect PCOS by forming a layer of fat in your body. In this condition, you will see a lot of women with lower-belly fat,” she further added.

“Moreover, the deodorants which we use are also dangerous for our bodies,” she said, adding that sweating is like detoxification of the body, so when a girl uses deodorant, she blocks the gut lining which starts creating barriers in her body and that leads to the creation of cysts in her ovaries.

Apart from environmental factors, Chagla explicated that PCOS also runs in most families, it could be genetic. “If your mother or grandmother had PCOS, there is a higher chance of you getting it too,” she said.

The sufferings of PCOS are unbearable and they don’t only disturb the inner peace but also affect the people around. As every girl wants to look beautiful in her youth PCOS might give a tough time to the patients who may go through sudden mood swings and have lack of self-esteem due to facial hair, weight gain and dark patches on skin.

“My family and friends never comprehend my suffering, when I am being annoyed, moody or aloof they call me rude and hormonal,” Arisha Ali lamented. She further shared that this syndrome creates a lot of anxiety, depression and agitation. Acne, hair fall, facial and body hair, dark patches on skin and obesity, diminish the self-esteem and confidence of young girls which severe-

ly affects their personal and professional lives.

Some mothers are also scared of not being able to find a spouse for their daughter as she would not fit the beauty standards set by society. “I do not know if anyone would be willing to marry my daughter after looking at her physical flaws and knowing that she might be a potentially infertile girl,” said Aliya’s mother Rubina.

Giving advice to girls afflicted with PCOS, another patient Rida Nadeem said, “Those who suffer from PCOS, should not put their hands down and stop enjoying life; they are still the same person despite having a few pulldowns from nature and bad mood swings from the medicines. They should aim higher to reach exciting heights of life and be happy about who they are because a condition like this should not be the reason behind their failure, use it to challenge and to push harder.”

Treatment Dr Ashraf shared that medicines prescribed to patients to help relieve insulin resistance help improving PCOS. “There are medicines which are used to treat type 2 diabetes, but the chances are that it might lower insulin and blood sugar levels in women with PCOS as majority of women with PCOS have insulin resistance.”

However, Chagla suggests a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle which would lessen the chances of taking medicines to cure PCOS. She believes that medicines have life long side effects. “There are multiple negative side effects of the medicines that are given to control or cure the disease.

You have to go off the pill and encourage your body to start producing the right balance of hormones again,” the hormone health expert emphasised.

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By Bold Desk KARACHI

As we know that Ramadan is here, the holiest month for the Muslim Ummah, and a month for immense blessings, on this journey to righteousness, a Muslim must indulge in the act of Dhikr, Mercy and Compassion. Keeping that in mind BOL Entertainment has been a front runner in presenting the meaningful and full of religious zeal, Ramadan Transmission. Continuing its glorious tradition, BOL Entertainment continues to present unique shows, this time bringing the biggest transmission for the month of Ramadan with a beautiful combination of innovation like never before. BOL’s special Transmission “Dunya Bol Hai Ramadan Special” will commence from the 1st of Ramadan till chand raat. The transmission is a chance for the people to gain more and more knowledge on religious topics from the most renowned scholars in the country, but it is not just limited to that. With various segments that will cater to each and every one in Ramadan, the transmission is the first of its kind in the country and will set a benchmark when it comes to Ramadan transmissions.

Pakistan’s number 1 channel, BOL, only recently launched its own morning show ‘Duniya BOL Hai,’ a live show that promises 2 hours of entertainment like no other. Hosted by everyone’s favourite chef Wardah Shoaib and journalist Talha Jatoi, the show is nothing like your typical run-of-the-mill morning shows, just like its name suggests, the show has been offering everything from entertainment to sports to cooking to lifestyle to political discussions, social issues and much more. But with the commencing of Ramadan, the morning show has now gotten a new twist being a part of BOL’s much anticipated Ramadan Special Transmission.

Now with a more Ramadan-centric approach, the show will now be aired between 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm as 'Dunya BOL Hai Ramadan Special", a live 2 hour show exclusively catered for the blissful month. BOL’s Ramadan Transmission consists of the same blend to assist Muslims in Pakistan and all over the world in celebrating the holy month of Ramadan in its true spirit. Comprising various Seher and Iftar segments, the audiences will be hooked on to the show getting the best of both worlds. And if you’re just as excited as the rest of us, here’s a little sneak peek of what’s to come on the screens this Ramadan:

Bari Khabar

The show will commence with 'Bari Khabar' where the audience will get all the top stories from all over the country, to then acknowledge the best story as the ‘story of the day.’

Bol Buzz

A segment that will keep you updated with the latest viral news and trends, be it trending on Twitter or getting famous on TikTok, it’ll keep you covered!

Utaar Charhaao

The show will then be followed with the ‘Utaar Charhaao’ segment led by none other than one of the BOL's famous anchors Mudasser Iqbal, in which he will fill you in with all the current market occurrences, including the budget and much more. Whether it's the stocks market, forex rates, metal prices, fuel prices, crypto currency, or commodity prices that affect the masses, the Utaar Charhaao segment will keep you wellinformed!

Aalim Kay Bol

The show will then turn towards 'Aalim Kay Bol' which is going to be a daily segment in Ramadan, this particular segment will feature a knowledgeable and renowned panel of Aalim e Deen from all sects to answer questions pertaining to religion, that will be brought in taking the inquisitor via live calls or social media. This helps

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bridge the gap people have when it comes to following their religion and will also encourage people to ask their queries without any hesitation to help them lead a better life that aligns with Islamic values.

Ramazan Pakwan

Then comes the segment where everyone’s favourite host, Wardah Shoaib, who is famous for her impeccable culinary skills will be sharing and demonstrating to the audience some tips and tricks for making delicious Ramadan delights along with BOL's prominent anchor Summaiya Rizwan in the live cooking segment 'Ramzan Pakwan.' To make the Iftar and Seher meals full of nutrition, Shoaib will be incorporating expert tips by highly qualified dieticians and nutritionists, making sure that you’re in shape by Eid.

Hero Pakistani

Pakistanis are not only full of talent but are also an inspiration to millions, and with the segment 'Hero Pakistani,' BOL is on a mission to bring forward such heroes and their stories.

Tareekh-e-Islam Kay Bol

BOL believes in spreading the knowledge in a fun way so that it does not bore our audience as well, the segment 'Tareekh - e - Islam Kay Bol' has been designed keeping this in mind precisely. The prominent personality of the hosting fraternity, Talha Jatoi, will narrate informative stories from Islamic history that everyone can learn from and pass on to people they meet.

In a nutshell, BOL News morning show will set a new suit for other morning shows to follow, because Duniya Gol Nahi, Duniya BOL Hai! And if you’ve been wondering about your favourite hosts, Faysal Qureshi and Danish Taimoor, keep calm because they too will be a part of this special Ramadan Transmission bringing you everything you’ve loved throughout the years.

Ramadan Mai Bol will be hosted by the critically acclaimed Pakistani host and actor Faysal Qureshi and the Game Show Aisay Chalega Ramadan League will be hosted by Danish Taimoor. BOL is going the extra mile and has already announced big prizes for everyone who will be partaking in this Grand Transmission.

The participants of the Quiz Competition, Debate Competition, Naat Competition and Game show will also be getting the biggest prizes ever this year. Not only that but the viewers sitting at home can also participate in different segments of the Ramadan transmission and Game show to win exclusive prizes in the comfort of their homes.

In one of the most loved segment of Ramadan transmission 'Khilkhila kay Bol' some very cute children will indulge in a constructive chit chat with Faysal Qureshi and other panelists. The transmission also aims to remember the people we’ve lost over the years with Yaadon kay Bol, a segment where BOL will give tribute to the lost legends of Pakistan. Children celebrating their first roza will be featured in a special segment called 'Aaj Roza Kushai Hai,' to strengthen their faith and boost their morale. The transmission will conclude with Live Azan-e-Maghrib from the set. But the experience doesn't end here, because immediately after the iftari, Danish Taimoor and his unbeatable energy and good vibes will be hosting 'Game Show Aisay Chalega Ramadan League' live, where the audience will play interesting and challenging games to win some of the biggest prizes ever announced in any game show. 6 teams will also be competing with each other to win the title and become Game Show Ramadan League champions.

This is not it. There is more excitement as BOL has decided to give away the biggest prizes to not only the participants but also to the attendees – be it in person or at home. There is a little something for everyone as BOL wants to give back the love it’s received over the years from the audience!

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By Hassan Naqvi Momina Iqbal has made a name as one of the leading actresses in a short span of time and became a household name through her character Masooma which she played in a blockbuster drama serial Ehd-e-Wafa. She has been critics favourite because of her versatility and acting prowess. In a very short span of time she has earned fame and respect among her fans and got many dramas to her credit including Parlour Wali Larki, Ajnabi Lage Zindagi, Ishq Mein Kaafir, Bhool Jaa Ay Dil, Khuda Aur Muhabbat 3, Laapata and Sila-e-Mohabbat. This week BOLD is in conversation with the beautiful, humble and talented Momina Iqbal.

BOLD: What is your most memorable drama to date?

Momina Iqbal: Well, it is Parlour Wali Larki without a shred of doubt.

BOLD: Which drama do you think is underrated?

MI: No one, to be honest. Every play managed to get a good feedback.

BOLD: Anything that you would never let anyone take?

MI: My kindness.

BOLD: What do you usually wear in daily life?

MI: I am more comfortable in Shalwar Kameez.

BOLD: What is your favourite thing in your closet right now?

MI: Perfumes and Bags.

BOLD; Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood?

MI: I prefer good opportunities. It could be Hollywood, Bollywood or Lollywood.

BOLD: Last call that you made?

MI: To my manager and a dear friend Laraib Tariq.

BOLD: Annoying habits of most of the actors and singers?

MI: All of us are annoyed with ourselves.

BOLD: Awards or rewards?

MI: Rewards.

BOLD: Extremely possessive about?

MI: Family and Friends.

BOLD: What’s your annoying habit?

MI: My mood swings.

BOLD: What is your biggest/weirdest fear?

MI: I don’t want to die in an accident like a plane crash or so. I want to die in a good health.

BOLD: Two things that you don’t understand about the entertainment industry?

MI: (1) They don’t appreciate the newcomers. (2) They realise their mistakes quite late once they have wasted the growing years of the actors.

BOLD: What bores you the most?

MI:Too much talking.

BOLD: Acting, modelling or hosting?

MI: Acting.

BOLD: Are you a workaholic or shopaholic?

MI: Both.

BOLD: Our drama industry needs?

MI: Our drama industry needs to give equal opportunities to everyone without any discrimination.

BOLD: Last time you lied?

MI: I lied to you (laughs) that I will reach Sashas in 10 minutes but it took me 50 minutes.

BOLD: Any relationship lessons that you have learnt so far?

forget and forgive easily.

MI: You must love yourself.

MI: I was much pampered in my childhood and now I have to work very hard to pursue my career and stay away from my family.

BOLD: If you want to get rid of one of your habits?

BOLD: Anything that you took for granted and later regretted?

MI: Noor Hassan.

BOLD: What are your healthy habits?

BOLD: A rumour that you would wish to spread about yourself?

MI: I would want to give up on expectations from others.

MI: My Breakfast. I never miss my breakfast.

BOLD: Your fitness formula?

MI: Nothing as I am too lazy.

BOLD: Emotional or practical?

MI: Emotional.

MI: I regret rejecting to work in Parizad.

MI: I thank God Almighty that I survived another day.

BOLD: Chai dhaaba or restaurant?

BOLD: One thing that you think people pretend to be in the industry?

BOLD: Have you ever flirted with a fan?

MI: People pretend to be nice and helpful but in reality they are hypocrites and two faced.

MI: Chai Dhaaba.

MI: Yeah (laughs).

BOLD: Romantic or not?

BOLD: What is one thing that always cheers you up when you are upset?

BOLD: Happiness is…?

BOLD: What would you be if not an actor?

BOLD: Who is your celebrity crush?

BOLD: What do you think this country needs the most?

MI: The hardships that I have faced in life.

MI: When I am around the people I love.

MI: Wife and a mother.

MI: No one.

MI: We need to give up on too much social media presence and stop blaming each other.

BOLD: Which superstar inspires you the most?

BOLD: Going to the past and undoing a mistake or going to the future and seeing how your life would be?

MI: Saba Qamar.

BOLD: What’s the last thing you bought?

MI: Clothes, clothes and clothes (laughs).

MI: Going to the future and seeing how my life would be.

BOLD: Your wish that didn’t come true?

BOLD: Lessons that you have learnt from the industry?

MI: Any character which truly depicts my acting till date.

MI: Patience.

BOLD: The last film that made you cry?

BOLD: Any director’s movie you would love to sign?

MI: Very movie makes me crux

BOLD: You get super uncomfortable when...

MI: When people are bitching around me.

BOLD: If you could get invisible for a day?

MI: I will steal all the shoes and bags in this universe.

BOLD: First pay cheque?

MI: Rs10,000.

BOLD: Something you miss about the life you had before becoming an actor?

MI: My college life.

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BOLD: First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

MI: A lifetime achievement award at the age of 24.

MI: Too romantic.

Photos: Awais Iqbal

BOLD: The best secret keeper in the industry?

BOLD: Anything that has changed your life?

BOLD: Worst rumour about you?

MI: I didn’t come across any.

BOLD: Who would you go to for relationship advice?

MI: Laraib, my friend and manager.

BOLD: How do you like to spend the days when you are off shoot?

MI: Any director who comes with a good script. Role and money doesn’t matter, what matters is good content.

BOLD: Luck or hard work?

MI: (Laughs) well, let's put it this way, it was luck, at the start of my career but now I am working very hard.

BOLD: Any message that you would like to give to your fans?

MI: Sleeping and shopping.

MI: I love my fans. They are part of my life, my support system and encourage me to work better.

BOLD: Three things no one knows about you?

BOLD: Your skin care routine?

MI: I am very sensitive, emotional and one who can

MI: I don’t have any as I am very careless.

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the

By Isra Shams KARACHI

Asad Siddique and Zara Noor Abbas

It's always a heart-warming to see couples supporting each other and expressing unconditional love for one another. However, when famous people like our celebrities tie knots and get in a relationship, it may quickly devolve into a fan-frenzy where they can't get enough of them!

We explore the industry duos that have all eyes on them by looking at when fans and the media couldn't get enough of their favourite celeb power couples.

Asad Siddique and Zara Noor Abbas are not a young and naive pair, in fact they are also always embarking on new ventures with a fresh mindset. The two began their careers as actors, but had to work hard to get noticed. Zara and Asad's careers have taken off since they got married, and they are unstoppable now. The duo is exploring all sectors and showing their skills and crafts by doing wonders in one project after another, whether its online series, movies, or dramas. The power couple is not only successful as individuals, but also as a couple in various projects on-screen.

"

I must have done something right in my life to have her around — Asad Siddiqui

Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor

Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor are one of the most well-known power couples in recent years.

The two got married in 2014, and their admirers all across the world have showered them with love, well wishes, and prayers throughout their blissful time together. Ayeza and Danish had already established themselves as accomplished actors prior to their marriage, but the couple experienced a new level of success following their union.

Because of their popularity and the love that people have for them, every time Ayeza Khan and Danish Taimoor appear together on screen, the show is expected to achieve recordbreaking viewership.

Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt

Aiman Khan began her career as a child actor, but as she grew older, she not only groomed herself but also improved her acting abilities.

This is why, at such a young age, Aiman Khan became a household name because she chose dramas that resonated with the audience and projected real-life difficulties that women faced. On the other hand, Muneeb Butt began his career as a TV commercial model before moving on to acting, he had to put in a lot of effort to prove his worth, and he did it gradually and steadily. Aiman and Muneeb were often spotted together before tying the knot and never denied their relationship.

The duo got married in an elaborate series of events in 2019.

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Perfect is not when two people are together, it’s when you both are different but in a way, they complete each other — Ayeza Khan

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I feel lucky to have a man next to me who listens to me, respects me and values me — Aiman Khan

Hira and Mani

Mani began his career as an RJ and VJ, then ventured into a variety of fields, only to find success because the work he performed was unique and set him apart. Mani established a name for himself at a young age. Hira, Mani's wife, did not work in the media or show business before she got married to Mani, but Mani made sure that she was a part of his persona. When Mani and Hira started presenting a show together, they became wellknown as a pair, and this gradually prepared the road for them to become the power couple they are now. Hira has established herself as one of the best actresses of the industry today and always gives credit to Mani for his utmost respect and support.

Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar

There are many characteristics that define a power couple, and it takes a lot of effort for any pair to achieve that status. Hamza Ali Abbasi and Naimal Khawar have been the talk of the town ever since their wedding. When the couple's wedding invitation went viral on social media in August 2019 it caught everyone off guard. Muhammad Mustafa Ali Abbasi, the couple's adorable baby child, was born in 2020. We also can't get enough of their sweet family photos. With their beautiful images, the cute family continues to melt the hearts of its fans. Take a peek at some of our favourite couple's mirror selfies.

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I thank God everyday for his biggest gift to me in this world, I love you Naimal and it’s a blessing from Him that I get to spend my life with you — Hamza Ali Abbasi

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Dunya tou sab hi ghumte hain, ek hi jaga reh kay koi apki dunya ghuma dey, usey khete hain MANI — Hira

The Lost City

Sandra Bullock – Channing Tatum starrer might not be a classic treasure-hunting caper, but their screwball chemistry is spot on!

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

In a world of romantic comedies where the older man falls for the younger woman, be like The Lost City where Sandra Bullock plays the protagonist, and Channing Tatum is the ‘damsel in distress', in his character’s own words. It might remind the audience of many films that revolved around treasure-hunting including the Indiana Jones franchise, Romancing the Stone and its sequel The Jewel of the Nile, the Lara Croft series and reboot, or the many versions of King Solomon’s Mines, but the new and fresh take makes The Lost City stand out on its own.

Directed by the Nee Brothers Aaron and Adam (co-written with Oren Uziel and Dana Fox), it is based on a Seth Gordon story that isn’t out of this world, yet is interesting enough to keep the audience involved. It revolves around the life of a struggling romantic novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) who wants to kill her most famous character Dash McMohan (Channing Tatum) so that she doesn’t have to write another book. However, the guy playing Dash on the cover of her books Alan Caprison wants to prove to Loretta that he is not a dimwit and can be as dashing as his other persona if the need arises.

As luck (or bad luck) would have it, eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) kidnaps Loretta because he believes that only she can read a dead language that would help him find the ‘Crown of Fire’ in the lost city of D. Alan, with the help of his ex-Navy Seal acquaintance Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt) rescue Loretta but when she steals an important piece of the treasure map from Fairfax’s table, things go sideways. Do they manage to escape from the inescapable island, do they find the treasure, and does Loretta get enough ideas to continue her writing career?

Watch the film to find out.

Despite being released within a year

of The Jungle Cruise and The Uncharted, which follow the same concept, in The Lost City, the heroine is the leading man, and the muscular eye candy is the tag along. Despite being the one who was rescued, Sandra Bullock’s character carries the film on her shoulders, while Channing Tatum supports her every step of the way.

In a film devoid of needless special effects and over-the-top action sequences, their chemistry is what brings both smiles and shock to the audience’s faces.

While Sandra Bullock’s Loretta is the ‘Indiana Jones’ here, Channing Tatum’s Allan is the one who accompanies her as the sidekick, delivering low-damage slaps to henchmen, emoting shock and surprise when they are required and trying to act smart despite not being the smartest person in the jungle. While she takes her fans back to the Miss Congeniality zone, he takes them back into the days of 21 Jump Street. Together, they are a force to reckon with against their pursuers who might have the firepower, but lack the intelligence and muscles, like their targets.

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The script is so quick-paced that you don’t have time to recover from the jokes that are delivered on the screen. While you are still unable to relax from the ‘mummies are humans’ comment, there comes the question ‘why are you so handsome?’, and the reply ‘my father was a weatherman.’ The film is full of such moments where you feel the jokes, instead of viewing them, and when you think that everything will be back to normal, you come across something that upstages everything else.

Predictability is the film’s weakest part, but it always is when there is a treasure hunt involved. However, instead of Channing Tatum saving Sandra Bullock’s character, it’s the other way round where the audience cheers for the female character because they know that the male character might not be able to pull it off. Also, the audience is able to connect with the Loretta character more because of her onscreen husband’s death, but since that angle isn’t explored after the first few minutes, it does leave the audience with many questions.

Channing Tatum plays the sidekick to perfection, and had it been a film back in the 1980s, Alan would have easily been Alice, since he is bad at driving, inept at swimming, allergic to water, and very bad

at fighting. In fact, the film’s only off-camera nude scene features him without clothes, with the ‘hero’ Loretta plucking the blood-sucking leeches away from his body. The film sort of brings Sandra Bull-

ock’s career to a full circle – her stardom began from being an action hero girlfriend in Speed and reaches the top as the ‘action hero’ in The Lost City where she is ‘the man’.

The supporting cast is not bad as well, considering that the ever-young Daniel Radcliffe (the Harry Potter) tries to do everything to claim the treasure while Da'Vine Joy Randolph (Detective Williams from Only Murders in the Building) just wants to get on with her publisher’s role, even if it meant crossing the Atlantic Ocean. If the film succeeds (and it seems it will succeed), then the makers could think about a sequel, or sequels, where they can explain the circumstances behind Loretta Sage’s husband’s death, and have an evolved Alan partner her on another ‘dashing’ adventure.

On one hand, there is an actress who will turn 58 later this year, while on the other there is an actor who hasn’t yet celebrated his 42nd birthday. Together, they are nothing less than a powerhouse who could hold a movie on their own and give superhero flicks like The Batman a run for their money. You might have seen a similar plot or experienced similar situations as a viewer before, but not like it was shown in The Lost City. After all, you don’t see movies where the guy is sexier than the girl, but still not in the driving seat because the other person is the smarter one.

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