I am sure there are few or several articles have been written on this topic but I want to put my two cents in as well. So the rule of the business is to produce or present a product which the customer wants or would want. For instance if one opens a boutique in Pakistan, he/she would keep or sale those clothes which are made according to the taste of Pakistani customers not per the customers in India or any other country otherwise the boutique will not work, right? Using the same analogy, let’s see if films made in Pakistan have a purpose to attract Pakistani audiences because they are the ones (at least for now since Pakistani movies have yet to make a mark in international market) who will make the film flop or hit, then isn’t it an idiocy that these films are made according to the taste of Indian audiences by coping Bollywood movies. Usually films and dramas are a way of promoting a country’s own culture and values and some solid entertainment to its people.

Let’s compare the Indian vs Pakistani audiences, they have a visible cultural and religious difference, otherwise Pakistan would still be a part of India. Pakistan has its own identity and the fact is majority of Pakistanis have their own distinguishable and traditional values according to the religion and culture. Therefore, Pakistani films should promote their own custom, values and lessons. Many Pakistanis have stopped watching Indian movies because of the obscenity in those films. Then why would these same audiences accept the same obscenity i.e. item songs, vulgar dialogues/comedy in their own movies. Even if a small percentage of people, accept these kind of movies then don’t expect the movie industry to thrive by ignoring the majority of the audiences. One would argue that Indian movies are so successful in Pakistan; however, not all Indian movies are successful in Pakistan and the some which are, is because of two reasons: first, Pakistan is not producing its own movies or good movies and second because most of these movies are cashing on big names like Shahrukh, Salman or Aamir khan, etc.

Our filmmakers must learn from our drama industry, it had almost crashed at one point when the producers, writers, and directors started copying Indian dramas. However, when our own original product, containing our values and culture, was presented, our dramas did not only become a big success in Pakistan but received a huge appreciation in the global market and introduced Pakistan and its artists on the international level. Good example are dramas like humsafar, zindagi gulzar hai, etc. Why can’t we apply the same maturity towards our film industry and bring the original script and our own tradition. Why can’t we be more smart and try to attract the majority of audiences by making sensible movies with strong scripts and a message. We have a lot of talent in our country and all its possible when we try to think out of the box. Our film industry should try to create its own individual style not become a replica of Bollywood because in this day and age, audiences are smart enough to choose the original version not some second-rate carbon copy.

Rida

Umera Ahmed has become quite popular in India after the airing of two her popular shows, Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Maat. In an interview with the Jaskiran Kapoor of Indian Express, Umera talks about her work and inspiration, along with a few things about herself.

Your dramas- Maat, Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Behadd (on Zee’s Zindagi) – have been making waves on Indian television, and focus on man-woman relationships. Is that a conscious choice of a genre for you?

Man-woman relationships naturally intrigue me. And I’ve been exploring it ever since I started writing 15 years back. The intricacies, problems, trials and tribulations of their relationships inspire me to give words to their journeys.

What inspires you as a writer?

Life. It’s the primary motivator as there is a story everywhere. My roots play a huge part too. I come from the small town of Sialkot in Pakistan, a town that during pre-Partition had the highest literacy rate among women, the city of Iqbal, and now people say it’s the city of Umera. My drive also comes from the creative freedom and opportunities I get in my field where women like Haseena Moin rule.

Writer, thinker or philosopher? What describes you the best?

Although I’m a popular fiction writer, I take it as a compliment when someone calls me a philosopher. I’m also an Agony Aunt constantly giving relationship advice, but tragic love storeis do get on my nerves sometimes. Because I write on subjects that deal with day-to-day life, I end up giving food for though to the audience. While critics have also described my writings as bhashan, I write about what I want and people see, hear and appreciate it.

Which characters from the serials describe you the best?

According to my friends, it’s Kashaf Murtaza from Zindagi Gulzar Hai. I am traditional in my appearance like her, strong, dedicated and committed too, but I am not ungrateful or bitter like her. Like her, I am unromantic whereas my husband is exactly like Zaroon, in civil services, romantic, more expressive, although he has never read or seen my work.

Zindagi… interestingly was also the first story I wrote 15 years back for a magazine, and it is still relevant today.

What about the men in your stories? Is it a challenge to not be biased towards women?

I don’t pander to the Mills & Boon romance. Having said that, male characters are pivotal, but have to be real too. For instance, Zaroon in Zindagi Gulzar Hai is every bit a man — chauvinist, good looking and intelligent. But when he meets a woman, who challenges and changes him, there is friction as it is not easy for a man to keep his ego aside, accept and change.

Is it heartening to know your work is changing perceptions about Pakistan?

Certainly. I am delighted because the Pakistani woman’s image internationally is perceived to be regressive. It is not true. Hamari khawateen ka rehen-sehan azaad hai. Second marriages are looked down upon and a man has to give explanations for it.

Are there lessons for Indian television programmers to learn from Pakistan TV dramas?

While we are catering to two different markets, for us content is king. In Indian dramas, emphasis is on costume, glamor and locations. Take these out of the equation, and there is nothing to get hooked to. I always believe in chasing a story.

Will you be working on any projects in India?

I don’t write constantly. It’s two serials, and a novel a year. Right now, I am writing my first Urdu feature film. As for India, I would be willing to work, but the demand for 100-plus episodes scares me. If a channel has the courage to do a 20-episode show, then I am game as I have not patience to stretch story beyond it.”

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

-H.S

Who doesn’t want to look fashionable?  But in order to follow the latest trends and taste of the market, one needs to put their boots on and look out what is currently popular in the world of fashion. To fulfill this desire of fashion lovers, an influx of young and energetic people are coming in the fashion industry as fashion designers. One such name is of “Sania Maskatiya”. Sania’s signature aesthetic has come to be regarded as a balance between elegance, comfort and practicality. Sania Maskatiya’s brand won its first Lux Style Award for the achievement in the fashion design-luxury prêt category and was also nominated for achievement in fashion design- prêt category at the coveted Lux Style Awards 2012. In 2013, the label earned two prestigious Lux Style Awards nominations in the Luxury Prêt and Prêt-a-Porter categories. Lets know more about her via an interview.

1. How did u manage to make your name in fashion industry in such a small period of time?

Sania Maskatiya: I think God has been really kind to me and has rewarded me for all the sheer hard work and effort that is put in the business. We put in a lot of effort in whatever we do and we strive to provide our consumers the best possible product. I am thankful to our consumers and critics who appreciate the handwork that goes into each piece.

2. What inspired you to choose this profession? And what is the fashion philosophy behind your label?

Sania Maskatiya: Since childhood I was always fascinated by colour and patterns. I was one of those kids who loved scribbling and playing with colours and was attracted to pattern and even after so many years I still get excited by all of it. This is one of the main reasons why I got into designing. I specifically chose art subjects in my O’level and A‘levels, thus pursuing a career in design was nothing but obvious for me. My brand is synonymous with providing luxury and celebrating individual styles. We are known for our signature drapes and prints. We take pride in combining traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes to create visually appealing designs.

3. Who is your inspiration in Fashion Industry, the ones you like to follow? Local and International both.

Sania Maskatiya: All the seniors in the industry like Bunto, Faiza Samee, Rizwan Beyg etc have always been a great source of inspiration as all these designers paved way for all the youngsters to pursue careers in fashion industry. Internationally, Chanel, Mary Katrantzou and Matthew Williamson are my favourites.

4. It must be a proud moment for you as Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy wore Saina Maskatiya at the Oscars. Do you plan to market your label to the masses, Internationally?

Sania Maskatiya: It was nice of Sharmeen to contact me for the clothes as I have always supported all that is Pakistan and with Sharmeen’s achievements a No! was not even an option .we were delighted when she wore the outfit to the Oscars. We do have an international clientele and we have multiple stockists around the globe. However, we would further like to increase our reach to international clients.

5. With a lot of Fashion Weeks happening around a year, do you think its a positive change for fashion in Pakistan or you see more repetition of same designs as designer don’t get time to prepare for the next fashion show?

Sania Maskatiya: I think competition is extremely healthy and with so many fashion shows happening, the Pakistani fashion scene is changing for good. I believe all the designers put in a lot of effort in putting up shows. Also, all the designers have a choice to participate in whichever fashion shows they want to and that way everyone has time to plan and produce collections.

6. Fashion weeks can commercialize and boost up Pakistan’s fashion industry at a large scale or do we have a long way to go?

Sania Maskatiya: Of course, fashion weeks are a major source of introducing your brand to the masses and I believe they have helped our industry in infinite ways.

7. How do you balance your professional life with personal life?

Sania Maskatiya: On the home front I have a fantastic support system of my mom and mother in-law. Work is a team effort, my amazingly talented design team and my business partner and brother Umair Tabani share the workload.

8. Any advice to fashion followers?

Sania Maskatiya: Take pride in who you are and don’t just follow trends blindly. Each one of us is unique in our own way, cherish that!

9. Some tips to the newcomers in Fashion Industry? The do’s and don’ts for them to be successful.

Sania Maskatiya: For all the young people I would like to quote that “there are no shortcuts to any place worth going”, therefore the only way to succeed is to work hard persistently. Along with hard work, it is extremely important to strive to learn new things every day.

Cheers

S. Rasool

Despite being the iconic Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s protégé, Rahat seems to almost always shy away from the spotlight. With minimal interviews to his name and an aura of mystery surrounding Rahat, We have caught up with the playback singer.

“It’s true that I have chosen to be relatively reserved with the media but it is something which is purely unintentional,” says Rahat, pointing to his busy schedule. “This is something I wish to change, and as an ambassador of my country, I believe people need to know more about the activities undertaken by their fellow countrymen.”

When it comes to creating music, the maestro admits that he needs to work in solitude. “I like to work in an environment that is secluded and allows me to concentrate on my music,” he says about his swanky farmhouse on Bedian Road (or to him, his humble abode), which has been transformed into an extensive music studio. “I am able to control the quality of the sound I record and ensure that my fans get only the best — something they expect from me.” The title song for Ishq-e-Mamnu was recorded there and he is also working on his upcoming music album, which is scheduled to release by year end.

“Bollywood gave me the chance to collaborate with the industry’s best composers,” says Rahat defending the switch he made. “And I embraced the transition well. For me, playback singing has been wonderful in terms of my own growth.” He feels the industry provides musicians with opportunities to learn as well as helps them establish a wider presence and name for themselves in the music arena.

While traditionalists didn’t hold back in making any comparisons when he ‘turned his back’ on his qawwal origins, Rahat feels it was inevitable and people were bound to talk. But the singer remains adamant on growing as an artist, experimenting and trying out different projects. “I starting singing qawwali at the age of 15 with my [uncle] Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan,” he recollects. “And as I have grown as an individual, I have also wanted to grow as a professional and diversify. I believe in good music, whatever the genre.”

Commenting on the current situation of the Pakistani film industry, Rahat feels it never reached great heights but is hopeful that things can change if investments are made. “Right now, our major hurdle is not that we lack talent but it’s that we don’t have the resources to make good quality motion pictures,” he sighs. “We need huge investments. I wish our government gives this important industry its due attention, and sets aside a sizeable budget for arts and entertainment.”

Apart from playback singing, for the local industry and Bollywood, Rahat is keen on releasing his own music album. “When I play and produce my own music, it provides me with a unique sense of fulfillment unlike any other. Artists shouldn’t just sing for others but should also produce their own music,” he says.

However, it will be released by an Indian company as he hasn’t been able to find himself a suitable distributor in Pakistan. “There was a trend when artists would launch their own albums in Pakistan instead of singing for others, but that seems to have become obsolete,” he regrets.

Commenting on the current situation of the Pakistani film industry, Rahat feels it never reached great heights but is hopeful that things can change if investments are made. “Right now, our major hurdle is not that we lack talent but it’s that we don’t have the resources to make good quality motion pictures,” he sighs. “We need huge investments. I wish our government gives this important industry its due attention, and sets aside a sizeable budget for arts and entertainment.”

Apart from playback singing, for the local industry and Bollywood, Rahat is keen on releasing his own music album. “When I play and produce my own music, it provides me with a unique sense of fulfillment unlike any other. Artists shouldn’t just sing for others but should also produce their own music,” he says.

However, it will be released by an Indian company by the end of the year as he hasn’t been able to find himself a suitable distributor in Pakistan. “There was a trend when artists would launch their own albums in Pakistan instead of singing for others, but that seems to have become obsolete,” he regrets.

Rahat is set to go on tour with his band and will be seen performing internationally

S. Rasool

Meesha Shafi is a talented name in Pakistan Film fraternity. She is a model, an actor, a singer and a famous face of Pakistan. She is proud daughter of Saba Hameed. She has been interviewed to reveal the artistic side of her personality and here is what she has to say.

Where were you schooled?

I went to the Toddlers’ Academy for preschool and then Lahore Grammar School till I gave my A levels and graduated from there.

Were you involved in any sports during your school days?

I was extremely athletic throughout school. I’m very passionate about a lot of sports and love exercise and being physically active. I was on pretty much every team and was a competitive swimmer and a gold medalist in diving.

How were you approached to represent L’oreal Paris as the official spokesperson in Pakistan? What factors did you consider in making this decision, if any?

It was a very easy decision to make. I admire and respect what L’oreal Paris stands for. Their image and philosophy are something I am proud to be a spokesperson for because I too believe that beauty is more than just what you see, it is about substance, talent, accomplishment and doing all with grace and self assurance.” Because you’re worth it”

After being chosen out of a population of 170 million people to represent the World’s leading beauty brand, do you feel you have come a long way in your profession?

I definitely feel extremely flattered. It gives me great pride to represent the world’s largest beauty brand and to know that they chose me to communicate to thousands of beautiful women across the country. Yes, I most certainly feel that I’ve come a long way. This is a huge and very exciting achievement.

Tell us a bit about your work as a model and a musician?

As a model, I have set standards for myself from day one. There is a lot of work I say no to. I don’t want to compromise on quality. I’ve tried to do consistently outstanding projects, be it print, ramp or commercial work. Up until now, I can safely say that I look back at the work I’ve done and am proud of it. No regrets. It’s not easy to do, because nobody likes saying no to money and work. But my standards are something I do not compromise on. Music is a brand new horizon for me. I am loving the feedback and appreciation so far. The first album with Overload is full of chances. We produced, wrote and released what we as artists like. The response has been overwhelming. Again, we didn’t think too much about what sells and what would be commercially desirable. Instead, we followed strict quality and aesthetic control and made music we believe in.

How difficult is it in your opinion to balance your personal life with your professional life, as sometimes it can be difficult for a working woman?

It works like clockwork for me. I have grown up watching a mother who runs an excellent household, is a big, successful celebrity and she takes all challenges in her stride. All you need is a little support and I am now married into a very encouraging and understanding family. I’ve been lucky to learn from the best and end up in a family full of artists just like my own.

What defines beauty and glamour in your opinion?

Grace and dignity. A woman who goes through life with poise and charm, all the while hurdling the obstacles that come her way, is beautiful. Glamour is the perfect sugar-coating that any beautiful woman has the right to don herself with. Dressing up, makeup, hair, colour, scents, all these are a woman’s territory. When done well, a glamorous woman is a spectacular sight.
Beauty has very few boundaries; everyone is beautiful in one way or another. Some people can be beautiful to me just for the way they think, what they have to say or how they treat those around them. Other than physical beauty, there are many ways to win the hearts of people. Glamour on the other hand, does have a lot to do with style, whether it be understated or very out there. It has to do with what you are expressing through being very elaborate or polished in your appearance, be it your face, the clothes you wear or even just the way you carry yourself through a crowd. But with glamour, I feel you have to have a certain degree of self awareness and a grounded sense of what works for you, since being glamorous is rarely subtle, it can quite often go horribly wrong.

How do you feel being part of L’oreal Paris?

It’s extremely flattering to be approached by such a prestigious company, to be part of a list of beautiful, dynamic and highly talented names from around the world. I’m thrilled to be one of the first brand spokespeople from Pakistan. It’s a big honour and an association that I’m immensely proud of.

Do you have any personal goals you hope to achieve by being the brand spokesperson for L’oreal Paris, how do you want to utilise this platform?

I would love to use this opportunity to help people become more confident about how they look, beauty is all about enjoying what God has given you, feeling good, being positive and surrounding each other with happy vibes. L’oreal Paris is a brand which celebrates beauty and gives everyone a chance to feel good, look good and think well. Through their constant innovation and hundreds of patented breakthroughs, they bring you closer to realising what works for you, giving you customised care and thousands of options for your needs. I want to bring their message of celebrating beauty at any age, any colour and in every human being to the masses. Because You Are Worth It!

What is the most thrilling or challenging aspect of being part of the largest cosmetic and beauty brand in the world?

The most thrilling aspect of being a part of L’oreal Paris is what they represent. They represent self empowerment, confidence and growth. These are essential for any individual, and with the position of being brand spokesperson for L’oreal Paris comes a chance to inspire people to embrace their inner beauty and the way they look. It’s challenging only because our nation gives little attention to the way the dress and take care of their bodies, skin, hair etc. But it’s a big step in the right direction and I’m honoured to be on board.

To what extent do you think you can represent Pakistani culture and beauty being a L’oreal Paris brand spokesperson?
The extent to which Pakistani culture and beauty can be represented is limitless. There is so much tradition, rich culture, exotic beauty and talent that we have to offer and the world doesn’t have a clue. We have it all, all we need is to promote it, and with a patron as big as L’oreal Paris, we can actually achieve that. As their brand spokesperson, I see the true image of Pakistan as a vibrant, colourful, young nation finally being put across to not just the rest of the world, but to other Pakistani’s who seem to not realise their true potential.

Considering the problems the country is facing today, do you think you can use this platform to send a positive message across internationally?

It is most certainly the perfect platform to encourage the many suppressed women of our country and make them realize their potential. As spokesperson for L’oreal Paris, I hope to communicate to women that they need to realize and embrace their worth.

If you were to pick a charitable cause, which one would you pick?

Most probably CARE. They have been doing a brilliant job for so many years educating and helping the less fortunate. I’m a big fan. And what our people need first and foremost, is good schooling.

You have garnered so much success and acclaim in your field, what would your message be for the young women of our country?

Believe in yourself, but don’t ever compromise on your dignity or principals. If people around you are holding you back from something you know you’re good at, do not give in. Life is bigger than what your boyfriend likes or dislikes and what your parents want you to be. If you have a talent or potential to excel in something, don’t care what people say. But remember, work is work. It is trying, tiring, difficult and frustrating. No shortcuts. That is, if you want to stand out.

I hope you guys must have enjoyed the interview. Please don’t forget to vote the article and drop your comments beneath

S. Rasool

It was only a few days ago that we shared a news that Fawad Khan gave an exclusive interview to the Hello! Magazine that placed him on Hello!’s cover. Since the day I aired the news, I had been in search of its soft copy and finally got a hold of it. The catchy line on its cover by fawad “I have transformed from  frog to a prince” is enough to make you read this interview where Fawad has revealed his heart out.

Have a look!

So, thats all for now,

Share your views about how did you find Fawad as a person,

Wishes,

Nida Zaidi