Translation of interview of Deepak Parwani for Sunday Magazine of Daily Nawaiwaqt. The interview is conducted by Ms. Ambreen Fatima. Content and pictures courtesy of Daily Nawaiwaqt.

“Deepak Parwani” the name which needs no introduction, whatever he has done has proved his talent. Many big names of fashion are admirer of his work. He introduced new trends in Pakistani fashion. Famous models feel honored to showcase his dresses on ramp. This famous Pakistani designer has not only impressed fashion following audience abroad but also in Pakistan masses eagerly wait for new designs of Deepak with seasonal changes. Every time Deepak comes with new efforts. If we say the dresses of Deepak Parwani are life of a fashion show, it would not be an exaggeration. Apart from fashion designer he is a very good artist as well. Whenever he appeared on screen, people appreciated his appearance, beautiful voice, facial expression and lively acting. Currently his drama ‘Kadoorat’ is being telecasted. Story of this drama and Deepak role is gaining attention of audience. Deepak has also won Lux Style award and Indus Award. In recent days we have a special conversation with this talented fashion designer and artist, which is presented for the readers.

NW: Tell us about your family?

DP: We are three brothers, I am the eldest and my family belongs to Mirpur Khaas.

NW: How did you come towards fashion?

DP: I was always attracted towards fashion and my mother has helped me a lot in pursuing a career in fashion, because she herself likes to wear stylish and good dresses.

NW: What is fashion?

DP: Fashion is the name of a lifestyle and this lifestyle is a reflection of traditional dressing and taste of a country. The best quality of fashion is it adds freshness to your personality.

NW: How do you see future of Pakistani fashion industry?

DP: Future of Pakistani fashion industry will be bright as this industry is leaping forward without many resources. I think export and import play a vital role in progress of a country. That is why our work should be accessible to international level, so international buyers can visit our country.

NW: Some particular section in Pakistan considers wearing western dresses as fashion. What is your say on this?

DP: Western and Eastern fashion, these terminologies are only used in Pakistan. I don’t believe in it as Fashion is just Fashion.

NW: Whether events of Fashion Weeks are helpful to promote fashion industry?

DP: Events of fashion weeks is good news for Pakistani fashion industry. There were times when fashion and bridal weeks were not arranged in Pakistan. But now these events are an encouraging sign. New models, designers, makeup artists and photographers get a chance to display their talent due to these events. International buyers also come to these shows; they not only appreciate our work but also give orders. Important thing is that foreign journalist are astonished to see the work of Pakistani fashion and fashion designers, that Pakistani designers are capable enough to design such fashion. It can be justified if I say fashion shows are providing earnings to many persons.

NW: There is a impression that fashion shows promote western dresses?

DP: I disagree with this misconception as per me there is nothing like that. All types of fashion is showcased in these shows.

NW: Dresses of famous designers are out of the range of a commoner. What will you say on it?

DP: Every designer has its own class and they design for their class. I also design for my class. If a commoner cannot afford my dresses ranging in thousand, it doesn’t mean that my creations are not for him. So there is no need to create such impression that dresses of famous designers are out of ranger from a commoner. Everyone lives as per their budget.

NW: What are the similarities in fashion of India and Pakistan?

DP: Indian and Pakistani fashion is not much different. They prefer light colors. We prefer Shalwar and they prefer Choori Dar Pyjama. Rest is almost similar.

NW: What are the actions required from government for promotion of fashion industry?

DP: It’s a matter of vision and preference. I feel sorry that promotion of fashion industry is not a preference for government. Whereas textile and fashion industries have the potential that with minimal investment one can earn quite a lot and it can also provide jobs to many persons. If government includes promotion of this industry in its preference it can change the situation.

NW: How is the performance of new comers?

DP: New comers are performing very well and I am satisfied with their work to a point. Rest there is always a room for improvement.

NW: Who is the competitor for Deepak Parwani?

DP: Deepak Parwani is the biggest competitor of Deepak Parwani there is nobody else.

NW: How you come towards acting?

DP: When I feel bored with my routine work then I do acting. My first drama was at the age of 19 with Aneeta Ayoob. My work was appreciated in that drama. After that whenever I accept any offer for a good role.

NW: How many dramas so far?

DP: So far my four plays have been on-aired. Kadoorat the fifth one is currently telecasted. My role in it is of a father who is quite depressed on mental situation of her daughter.

NW: You also did telefilms?

DP: Yes so far I have worked in three telefilms.

Talented model Ayyan said, Deepak’s work cannot be praised in words. His contributions for Pakistani fashion industry cannot be denied. Deepak’s work is classic and is exemplary for new comers. I feel honor in wearing dresses in fashion shows designed by Deepak.

Model Emaad Irfani and Fahad Mustafa said, there is no praise for his abilities. There is no one like him in male dress designing. Deepak is designing unique dresses for past two decades. Every designer has his own style but there is no one like Deepak. He is not only a good and experienced fashion designer but an equally good human being.

Nadia Hussain said first photo shoot of my life was with Deepak. Deepak has always worked as per need of the hour and it is his biggest quality. I was in school when gowns designed by Deepak were quite famous. Girls love to wear Deepak’s gowns in gatherings. I also found interest in knowing more about Deepak and when I get a chance to do first shoot with him, I fully enjoyed it . Whether its western, male or bridal Deepak has designed everything very beautifully.

Rashid Nazir Ali

This article is translation of interview of famous cooking show host, Abeel Javed published recently in Urdu Weekly Akhbare Jehan. Abeel has shared some interesting aspects about her personal and professional life in this interview.

Abeel Javed is basically known for being host of a cooking show, and it is her major strength. But her beautiful personality and courtesy are the main qualities which draws the attention towards her within no time.

That’s why despite 1000 episodes of famous cooking show ‘Haandi’ on a private channel (Masala TV), she is still hosting it successfully. Reader may already knew that Mrs. Zubeda Tariq is the cooking expert in that show, with whom Abeel have great understanding, which is also an important aspect of this program.

Apart from other qualities, name “Abeel” is quite unique. Abeel told it is an Arabic word whose meaning is Success and Win. Born on 17^th October, Abeel zodiac sign is libra. Probably that is why she has such a balanced personality. Telling about herself Abeel told she has completed education in textile designing and completed the diploma with distinction of third position.

On answering the question why showbiz instead of field of textile designing, Abeel told “actually I got work in a commercial and then I accepted an offer of live show from a channel, and it continued in a way that I am totally in showbiz field”

Why food channel? Are you fond of cooking? In response Abeel told “I accepted the offer being host, as the cooking is responsibility of cooking expert in show. At that time I even not knew about the names of masalas. But now after four years I have also learned how to cook well”

Any intention to become a cooking expert in future? “Neither such intention, nor any plan to do a show as cooking expert. I only like hosting” Abeel answered

As you said you have learned cooking and quite accomplished now, do you cook at home?

“Yes now I can cook all types of dishes. I try all the recipes which I like most” Abeel answered confidently.

When you do cooking there must be some hustle at home, that today Abeel is cooking food or you do it silently?

“No I neither do any disturbance nor ask for help from anyone instead I complete my work myself in a brisk manner”

Abeel cooking is liked not only by her family but by her friends too. Since her parents are from Delhi she is now also an expert in cooking Delhi cuisine. Her favorite dishes are traditional desi food of Delhi, lasgne, pasta and noodles of every type. She can also cook these dishes very well.

How much glamour is necessary in showbiz? How much importance you give to glamour?

“Glamour is a must in showbiz”, Abeel answered instantly, “But there should not be any element of immodesty, glamour is not a bad thing, but consideration of our culture and values is also important. As far I am concerned I like being attached to my culture and always wear eastern dresses.”

Any preference in makeup? In response Abeel told that she likes light and natural makeup, and does her makeup herself.

On the question what are you plans for marriage, she told “Maybe soon you all will hear my wedding news as it is it my mother wish, but I am not yet engaged”. In this regard Abeel prefers decision and choice to her mother and wants to select her life partner as per her mother’s opinion. Abeel is second in total of four siblings. Her father is no more in this world, so she is quite touchy about her mother and wants to comfort her in all possible ways. On the topic of love she said “I have never experienced it, but it is a natural sentiment and I think persons in love with each other are ready to compromise for each other”.

Any plans to join acting field? In response Abeel said, “Acting is quite time consuming activity that is why I cannot afford to do work in dramas. I only like live shows in which there is no recording.” She further told “If I had a beautiful voice I may have been singing but in future I have plan to work in the field of textile designing”

Abeel has almost worked with all the famous chefs and all are her favorites too. But due to her long relationship and respect for Mrs. Zubeda Tariq, she considers her as the best cooking expert. She told. “It is due to Zubeda aapa that I can cook well today. She guides about all things in an easy manner that cooking looks very simple.”

Any tips for women who do cooking?

“I am not a chef, but I have learned many things since I am host of a cooking show for many years. First thing I will like to tell is interest and dedication is must to do anything. In start there must be some difficulty in cooking but your interest will make it easier. So cooking nihari or kofta is not difficult any woman can make it.”

Any common mistake which women generally do while cooking?

“Mostly housewives or girls learning cooking add more salt by mistake, so always add less salt and pepper. As it is easy to make less more, but there is a long process to make salt and pepper less. Also do not make too oily foods, try to add less quantity of oil in food.”

Soft spoken and soft hearted Abeel likes chit chat, but she is also an isolationist by nature and normally avoids gatherings. She said I like hustle bustle but I also like isolatation.

Her hobbies include reading mystery novels, watching horror movies, sketching, designing and cooking well made dishes. She said good food is a way to win hearts.

She considers wordings of Anwar Maqsood as best comments of her life which he said on completion of 1000 episodes of “Haandi” that “He has never seen any anchor of a live show speaking such clear and pure Urdu fluently.”

Her message for readers is “Cooking is not a difficult thing; it is an art so enjoy it. Also take care of your parents as there is no replacement of them in this world.”

Interview content and Images courtesy to Weekly Akhbar-e-Jehan

Rashid Nazir Ali

Interview of Yasra Rizvi has been published in Sunday Magazine of Daily Jang. It is translated for the readers of this blog. Interview and pictures courtesy of Daily Jang. Below is the translation of interview conducted by Ms. Saima Naaz in Urdu for Daily Jang.

Claim of versatility by many new and upcoming actors is like promises of politician with public during election campaign. But truth is what that is admitted by all, and the opinion of public about politicians is apparent in front of us. However in showbiz, it is true, many new actors are working here giving a fresh look to screen. But it is also true many youngsters are progressing by using glamour and technology. But..Yasra Rizvi is one of those actors who have made her place in the field of showbiz due to her quality work in quite short time. A confident and strong personality Yasra has performed a role in Geo TV’s drama serial ‘Virasat’ totally opposite to her personality. After doing a well performed comedy role in ‘Kis din mera vyah howay gaa’, she is now skillfully performing role of a grieved mother in Geo TV’s drama ‘Man ke Moti’ and receiving praise for it as well. Yasra is not only an actor, but she is also God gifted in field of writing and speech. Then why shouldn’t she be called versatile. Yasra is a pleasant edition to television industry and it is expected that her interest in films and its trends can play a role in betterment of our film industry. In recent days there has been an interesting conversation with Yasra regarding her private and professional which Is as follows for the readers.

Question: Tell us about your family and life.

Yasra: I am from Islamabad. I was born on 15^th November 1982. My parents are also from the field of journalism. Mother used to write diary for Daily Jang Islamabad. I have only one brother who is also in journalism.

Question: From where you completed education?

Yasra: I have done BBA in Human Resource Management from Michigan University, USA and then Master in Mass Communication from Britain. Then my interest shifted towards films and theater and I tried to give a new trend to Urdu theatre and film with my writings.

Question: How was your childhood time?

Yasra: My childhood was in Islamabad. My house environment was quite literary, so I was interested in ghazal, classical poetry and poetry. I never done acting in school, but when I started writing , my family never stopped me, instead they helped me.

Question: From which field you started your career?

Yasra: I started my career as a writer and then came towards acting. For theatre my first written play was “Bench” which was in Urdu. It was a memorable moment for me, when after this play, when audience in theatre hall clapped for me. I can never forget that day.

Question: Which type of literature do you like?

Yasra; I am a drama writer and since my parents are also in the field of writing, instead of discouraging they encouraged me. I am inspired from the works of Anwar Maqsood and Munnoo Bhai. My own writing style is also a bit classical.

Question: Born in a literary environment, being a writer yourself, how you came towards acting?

Yasra: It was sudden. I was in Karachi, when I met few persons from Islamabad theatre over here. I presented my portfolio to them and they instantly called me. That drama was not worth mentioning but my character was appreciated. After theatre, Sabiha Somaar casted me in a small but powerful role in Geo’s drama ‘Mi Raqsam’.  I also did ‘Kis din mera vyah howay gaa’ on Geo. Experience of working in drama ‘Virasat’ of Geo was also helpful. Now a days I am working in drama ‘Man Ke moti’ on Geo TV.

Question: Being a writer and actor at same time, is helpful or harmful?

Yasra: Its helpful in every way. Being a writer I knew many problems of our society. I want whichever drama I work in, must have some message and objective and it would convey a message to public along with entertainment in an unfelt way. Drama or showbiz is not only entertainment but is also a necessity of our society. Entertainment is still limited to television for a large population of our country. Television can be very helpful for awareness and consciousness for those people. Whether writer or actor I think both must have good observation. I use observation in both writing and acting, due to which understanding and performing a character becomes easier.

Question: What’s your opinion about theatre?

Yasra: Theatre is a quality entertainment but sadly Urdu theatre has almost ended in our country. Quality of Punjabi theatre is very poor. Our youth has done very hard work for Urdu theatre. Recently the success of ‘Aangan Terha’ has set a new trend and I feel very happy to see a theatre prospering again.

Question: Any message for current youth

Yasra: Our youth do not read classical history, books or go to library; they are not familiar with dramas of Imtiaz Ali Taaj. I feel sorry for that. I want youngsters should also focus on this.

Question: Which type of role you want to perform in dramas?

Yasra: No special preference for characters, I believe in versatility. Performing roles of same type is like death of an artist for me.

Question: Any interest in music

Yasra: I am inspired from legends like Noor Jehan, Fareeda Khanum, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, and also like to listen to them.

Question: Youngsters of every era want to join showbiz what is your opinion on it.

Yasra: I think if someone has talent, nothing in the world can stop him/her for making name. As compared to past now youngsters have more opportunities. There are many television channels and radio station, but talent is must.

Question: What is your opinion on ongoing trend of ‘Remaking’?

Yasra: Remaking of films is a good thing. New generation knew about their heritage by this. But presenting old films in new style is not sufficient; there must be new films as well. In India film is a profession of many people, if film making starts in our country it can provide work to many houses.

Question: Many new artists frequently complain regarding no support from senior actors, how is your experience?

Yasra: Attitude of seniors has always been good towards me. If a junior is arrogant and ineligible no one teach him/her. I think nothing could be more encouraging then praise from a senior.

Question: How was your journey from Islamabd to Karachi?

Yasra: Karachi is an excellent city. Life continues here despite terrorism incidents. If anyone wants to work or make career here, both this city and its citizen are extremely helpful’

Question: When will you get married?

Yasra: Everybody gets married, if I don’t it will be an individuality. So I don’t have any intention for getting married.

Question: You are quite sensitive about film industry, any plans to make a film in future?

Yasra: Definitely, there is strong plan to make a film. Film is quite demanding thing, so am working patiently. I want to make a film, in which dressings, language, environment everything is a representative of our country. Film must be close to reality. If film is Pakistani, then it must take care about our values. Making such film is my dream which I will make true in near future.

Question: If there is one principle for a successful life, what should it be?

Yasra: “Hard work” is the only principle for a successful life.

Question: Which is your area of interest and which areas you dislike?

Yasra: I watch television with great interest. I can do cooking, but no special interest in it. Politics is so much discussed in my house that I have no interest in it. I am quite social; all my past friendships are still active. I easily intermix with others. I don’t like getting up early, but now have to do that.

Question: Which area you will like to work in future?

Yasra: Film writing, production and direction, I will focus on all of these.

Question: Any childhood fear which still prevails

Yasra: Oh, I am scared of cat, and I don’t dine outdoors due to this.

Question: It is said, there is a woman behind every successful man. Do you believe it?

Yasra: Whether man or woman, there is a support system behind every successful person. There are sincere persons who encourage them.

Question: What is your message to those who want to join showbiz?

Yasra: Like all other fields you have to work hard, if you want to earn fame in showbiz. Teamwork and cooperation will result in your success.

Rashid Nazir Ali