KARACHI: The ever-controversial Mathira cannot stay away from the limelight. Be it her recently banned condom ad or racy photo shoots, this starlet is not one to shy away from criticism and attention. In her very own Marilyn Monroe moment, the official Lux Style Awards Facebook page posted a photo of Mathira holding a cupcake in her hand to wish President Asif Ali Zardari, whose birthday falls on July 26. A statement on the corner of the picture read: “Happy Birthday, Mr President.”

While speaking to The Express Tribune about her photo, which went viral just a few hours after its release, she exclaimed that the “birthday boy” should have a great time. “We remember Shahrukh Khan’s birthday, we remember Katrina Kaif’s birthday, but we never remember the birthday of the man who runs this country,” said Mathira.

Expressing her fondness for President Zardari, she said “the man has a personality.” “I really like that guy (President Zardari), I think he’s great. I wanted to do something special for him [on his birthday] and so I did.”

“The best thing about him is that he has a ‘personality’,” continued Mathira. “Believe it or not, he can turn heads around when he enters the room.”

“People and the media don’t see his positive side. We make jokes about him, we belittle him. We forget that he has the country’s responsibility on his shoulders.”

Mathira hopes that Zardari is elected as president for a second term, too. “We should not place blame on him for everything that goes wrong in the country. No one knows what he must be going through.”

Last week, we talked about some of the high fashion and high street trends we spotted during our recent holiday in London, basically covering everything below the waistline. Continuing where we left off, this week we will concentrate on the glaring Eastern-inspired theme that penetrated everything from Cavalli to ZARA and will take a closer look at accessories.

‘Mirror Mirror on the Wall…’

Roberto Cavalli Resort 2014, Roberto Cavalli Resort 2014, Ethnic beaded and mirror work accessories at ZARA & Accessorize

The business reality of global high street labels, such as ZARA and H&M, moving their production processes to the subcontinent is, without doubt, leaving a marked impact on their designs. Tribal mirror works and ethnic gypsy beaded detailing showed up on everything, from jumpsuits to clutches and flats. The shiny vintage effect paired with colourful embroidery is well suited for summer and is doubly satisfying for us as we can get accessories that work just as well with Eastern and Western wear alike. Peasant tops floated around with the same village handcrafted embellishments. On closer inspection, we found the real runway source of the style in Roberto Cavalli’s Resort 2014 collection. The entire line was like an ode to India with its circular mirror encrusted dresses, pants, jackets, and even the traditional boho vest. It’s always wonderful to feel recognised and this style definitely fits right in.

Cut-Out Booties:

Giuseppe Zanotti booties, Alaia cut-out booties

Another obsession this summer seemed to be booties with an attitude. The cut-out bootie is really a genius solution that reinvents boots to include them into one’s summer wardrobe and is a creative style bomb. The cut lends itself naturally to geometric colour blocking that sets off a whole new dimension of trend fever on its own. Shoelaces, fringe, buckles, laser cutwork and print make the options endless. A definite must-have this season, cut-out booties look steaming with skinny pants and a tailored blazer. Of course surrendering to the towering heel factor is crucial as it doesn’t fly high with stout heels.

Innate Ikat:

Ikat tunic at ZARA, Ikat at Roberto Cavalli Resort 2014, Ikat at Roberto Cavalli Resort 2014

The Ikat print kurta we found at ZARA could have easily been from SanaSafinaz’s silk prêt collection. Fashion is truly merging as the lines between the East and West continue to blur. While the word originated in Indonesia, and the technique has thick historic linkages to India, Japan and many South East Asian countries, it is actually a universal form of textile art recognised in all parts of the world. Lately the Ikat craze has been creating waves everywhere. Cavalli called it a ‘Gujarati’ print as he explored it elaborately on cotton instead of the usual animal patterns, and in some cases, combining the two conflicting print genres. The effect was intriguingly charismatic to say the least. All in all, Ikat is here to stay.

Ahoy Sailor!:

Marc Jacobs Resort 2014, Valentino Resort 2014, Chloe Resort 2014

Sailor stripes stood proud in navy and white and we were amazed at how much could be done in terms of creativity with the simple nautical theme. Rectangular striped collars, metallic double buttons, and horizontal lines of varying widths all hinted at the seaside story. The thing with the mariniere theme is that it always looks very smart and confident – qualities hard to tire of in any fashion age. Echoes of sailor were spotted at Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Valentino and many others. However, our favourite was the all-out navy top to toe preppy looks seen at Chloe Resort 2014.

Secretcloset.pk is an exclusive online fashion portal. Twitter ID: @Secretclosetpk. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2013.

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Each of the three films releasing this Eid belong to a different genre entirely and hence, their impact on the box office and audience is likely to vary. The line-up includes the most-hyped Humayun Saeed production Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Shahzad Rafique’s long-delayed Ishq-e-Khuda and Iram Parveen Bilal’s internationally acclaimed, small-budget Josh.

Amongst the three, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi has the highest expectations attached to it since it is not only Pakistan’s first sports-centric movie but also one that involves a major chunk of the film industry in its making. However, it remains to be seen if it only turns out to be a potpourri of sorts with Afridi’s name as its best selling point, though we hope otherwise. A blessing in disguise for the film is Shahid Afridi’s brilliant form in the first and last ODI. If he performs well in one of the upcoming T20 matches, the film will incidentally attract hoards to the theatre hall, since he is the only surviving star of Pakistan who is equally acknowledged by the ‘classes’ and the ‘masses’. The Afridi factor, accompanied by its big budget, catchy music and a commercially-layered patriotic theme can possibly make it a gold mine for the local box office.

Main Hoon Shahid Afridi is releasing on 35 screens across Pakistan and may cross the Rs30 million mark in its first week, barring any major unrest in the country. Keeping that in mind, it might do a total business of around Rs80 million, which, compared to the approximately Rs100 million budget of the film, is inadequate. However, with no mainstream Indian films being released on Eid, the film may gross more than expected.

The other release is the long-awaited Punjabi film Ishq-e-Khuda starring Ahsan Khan and Meera. This, too, will be released on 35 screens across Pakistan. It is expected to face stiff competition from Main Hoon Shahid Afridi at multiplexes and other cinemas in urban and sub-urban areas of Pakistan but is expected to sweep the single screens in Punjab.  The film seems like it could prove to be a surprising win for Punjabi cinema like Syed Noor’s Majajan but it won’t do that well on the box office compared to the other big release. Overall business of Rs20 million to Rs30 million will be quite an achievement.

Finally Josh, which despite having gained international fame received the least amount of attention in terms of marketing, will release digitally only on nine screens across the country. Nevertheless, it might just prove to be a surprise package. In terms of business, nine screens can barely result in a good return for the film though we can expect some power-packed performances. Although the budget of the film hasn’t been disclosed and returns can’t really be predicted with such a narrow release, we hope that Josh competes well alongside these commercial films so that other independent film-makers are also encouraged.

Alongside celebrations, this Eid probably brings the biggest test for Pakistani cinema as the return will truly represent how dependant we are on foreign films and how many more screens we need to have in order to make film-making a feasible business in Pakistan. Best of luck to everyone involved!

Published in The Express Tribune, July 27^th, 2013.

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Are you concerned about the harmful chemicals in hair dyes? What would be your primary reason for using hair dyes? The Express Tribune is looking to gather insight on what readers think of the global hair dye phenomenon.

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CALIFORNIA: The Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and composer JJ Cale passed away on Friday 26 July of a heart attack at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California, according to BBC.

Cale was 74 years old at the time of his death.

Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, John Weldon Cale adopted “JJ” as moniker in the mid 1960s to avoid confusion with the Velvet Underground’s John Cale.

Cale, one of the most versatile musicians of his era, helped create the Tulsa Sound, which combined blues, rockabilly, and country. He became particularly famous in 1970, when Eric Clapton covered his songs After Midnight and Cocaine.

Eric Clapton went on to record many more JJ Cale compositions over the years, including “I’ll Make Love To You Anytime”, “Travelin’ Light” and “Angel”.

“The Road to Escondido,” which won Cale the 2008 Grammy, was also recorded by Eric Clapton.

Following the success of “After Midnight”, Cale went on to record more than a dozen studio albums. He pioneered the use of drum machines, and was famous for his personal laid-back singing style.

Besides Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Neil Young and Bryan Ferry are some of the many other artists quoting JJ Cale as a big influence on their own works.

JJ himself, though, always sustained a slight aversion to stardom. He happily remained relatively obscure for decades.

In an interview, JJ Cale said:

“I’m a guitarist and a songwriter and I got lucky when Clapton heard one of my songs. I’m not a showbiz kind of guy. I had the passion to do music as much as anybody. But I never wanted to be the patsy up front. And I still don’t want to be famous.”

In accordance with this, TV personality and designer Whitney Port says less is more when it comes to make-up. Port feels heavy make-up makes you look aged and leaves your skin looking creased. She also shared tips to get ready for the beach and festivals with femalefirst.co.uk.

Best beauty advice someone has given you?

“It sounds pretty simple, but someone once told me that less is always more, and I stick to that. Heavy make-up makes you look older than your age and leaves your skin look wrinkly. This applies especially to concealers, as the more I layer it under my eyes, the more I look like I have dark circles. I always wash my make-up off at the end of the night, no matter what state I’m in. If I’m feeling lazy, I use make-up removing wipes, but I try to stick to a facial cleansing routine.”

How do you get ready for beach?

“If I am hitting the beach, I’ll take extra steps to ensure my skin looks and feels healthy and smooth. I step up my exfoliation routine by using a good loofah and apply a rich moisturiser twice a day.”

What’s your favourite must-have summer fashion accessory?

“It would have to be a great pair of sunglasses. I just bought a really cute pair of Céline sunnies with gorgeous silver detailing. Sunglasses are something you wear everyday, all summer long, so it’s definitely worth investing in a good pair to instantly complete any outfit.”

What are your go-to looks when attending a festival?

“My ultimate fashion combination for festivals has got to be high-waisted shorts and a mini crop-top, or denim shorts and a t-shirt, which I think will always be in style. I keep things simple and avoid big sun hats or fancy dresses, but my rings and cute gold bracelets never come off.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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The film revolves around a group of survivors fighting to stay alive when a mysterious plague unleashes the undead on New York City. The film also stars Tony Todds, Tom Sizemore, Danielle Harris, Sarah Habel, Bill Moseley and Joseph Pilato.

The 43-year-old actor, who last appeared in the box office dud Jodi Breakers in 2012, is super excited about this film. “It’s a great introduction to American cinema — working with Simon West and his team. He has made and continues to make some of the most exciting and thrilling films in Hollywood,” he said, according to the Hindustan Times. “I am honoured to be working alongside him. I am thrilled to be in this 3D re-imagining of the cult-classic Night of The Living Dead.”

The film happened by sheer luck, Madhavan tells the Times of India from Los Angeles. “I didn’t think this was possible by any stretch of my imagination. West met me and said he liked my performance in 3 Idiots, which was a major success in the US. He was cast-hunting for his next, and said I’d suit the part.”

“I’m learning things we aren’t even familiar with back home — things like facial capture techniques and working in stereoscopic 3D,” he said.

Producer West of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Con Air fame said, “This movie represents a whole new way of visualising the classic zombie genre. It has a fresh and exciting style that sets it apart from all other horror films seen up until now.” He added, “R Madhavan is a dynamic talent and we are happy to work with him.”

With the film having gone on floors, the actor will be spending at least another month in Los Angeles.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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Bodyfocus Museum

Although Iman Ahmed of Body Focus Museum won the LSA 2013 for both Pret wear and Luxury Pret, her collection was far from being wearable at Eid. The collection, although trendy and hip, consisted of black and dull beige silks with almost no threadwork. The silhouettes were relaxed and echoed BFM’s signature Western-inspired cuts, but overall better suited for the ramp than an Eid dinner. Price range: Rs6,000 and onwards.

Elan

The talented Khadija Shah remained true to her fresh and floral design aesthetic. Her Eid collection had pastel pinks and sky blues in silk as well as cotton. One outfit in black with intricate, multi-coloured sequin work on the front was a winner. While some pieces were trendy and fun, others were too over the top for Eid and would be better off worn at weddings. Price range: Rs40,000 and onwards.

Farida Hasan

Farida Hasan has slowly made her way into the market for her chikan kurtas with beautiful Indian buttons. For Eid, she stuck to floral embroidery, cotton eyelet and retro prints. Her colour palette was also more towards the lighter shades of yellow and peach with cuts being very feminine. Overall, the collection was a breath of fresh air fitting in well with the demands of summery Eid. The outfits offered a perfect option for an Eid lunch. Price range: Rs21,500 to Rs24,500.

Nomi Ansari

With his bright and colourful sense of style, Nomi Ansari offered three different collections at the Exhibition that had something for every age bracket. First up was the DNA collection — a line exclusively for women. It included colourfully printed cotton kurtas with heavy embroidery on the sleeves and the neckline as well as some really funky digital prints. His second collection called Bubbles was for the young ones — age 10 and below. While the kurtas for the boys included delicate and minimal embroidery on the sleeves and the neckline, the outfits for the girls were bright and colourful with an extensive use of jamawar. Finally, the designer exhibited his men’s collection in earthy tones and a touch of funk.

Price Range: DNA: Rs20,000 to Rs35,000, Men’s Wear: Rs6,000 to Rs9,500 and Bubbles: Rs5,000 to Rs15,000.

Shehrnaz

Following the currently hot trend, designer Zeba Husain offered a collection of chikan kari cottons, block prints and screen prints. While there were no specific standouts, there was a mix of bright hues and airy fabrics. Price range: Rs10,000 — Rs15,000

With so many collections available in the market, it seems like Eid has become the best time to cash in on your creativity and launch a new line. “Almost every designer has come up with an Eid collection. However, this exhibition marks Nomi Ansari’s first-ever launch of  a men’s wear collection and Elan’s debut at Ensemble,” said Shehrnaz Husain, co-director of Ensemble. “People in Karachi generally look out for Lahori stuff, more out of curiosity but also because it offers something out-of-the-box.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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A known face in the Pakistani television industry, Syra has done over 50 television commercials, apart from working in dramas including Mera Naseeb, Mohabbat Rooth Jaye Toh, Bilqees Kaur, Tanhaiyan Naye Silsilay and Coke Kahani.

Over the course of her career, Syra has often changed her hairstyle — from a sharp fringe to side-swept bangs and finally a bob. But we must say that she looked adorable in whatever look she’s pulled off. Talking about her style philosophy, the actor said, “My style philosophy is that one should not just wear their clothes, but  should carry themselves with confidence.”

The VJ-turned-actor likes to wear soft, pastel colours and is not a great fan of sparkly clothes. “I love bling, but then it doesn’t complement every occasion. So I like to pair it with something lighter.” Even on her wedding, she opted for a minimalistic look and did not deck herself up with jewellery and make-up. She was recently also spotted at Saba Pervez’s mehendi rocking a beautiful sari in orange and green.

Syra always dresses keeping in line with current trends and also likes accessorising her outfits. “My favourite accessory would be my shades. I also love my Forever21 bubblegum pink skinnies,” she says.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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The Khaadi Man

Khaadi has lately been a hit amongst women with their bright colours and funky prints. But their collection for men is all about earthy tones and subtle textures that will definitely help make a fashion statement. This textured chocolate brown kurta with hints of maroon is perfect for a man who does not like to blend in with the crowd. It is simple yet unconventional for the modern man. This particular number costs Rs2,500.

Junaid Jamshed

Exclusively made out of dobby fabric, this pale blue kurta by JJ consists of flawless, traditional bunnat embroidery and fine, geometrical textured print. Surely, it is an outfit meant for men of all ages. It’s calm hue and light material is perfect for the scorching summer. Available at all J. stores across the country, this particular kurta is priced at Rs2,685. 

Gul Ahmed

Gul Ahmed’s Ethnic collection presents an interesting blend of vibrant shades and crisp whites in a variety of material including jacquard, dobby fabric, voile, chambray, etc. Our favourite pick is the fresh self-checkered blue kurta with subtle embroidery on the kurta patti. While an appropriate colour-choice for the festivities, this could even come in handy for a mehendi. The particular kurta is reasonably priced at Rs2,550.

Arsalan Iqbal

Designer Arsalan Iqbal has come up with a more diverse collection consisting of block prints as well as embroidery. “One of my favourites is this chocolate brown kurta that has been made with copper — colored block printing,” says Iqbal. “It’s a very subtle colour that you can either give an elegant touch to or just make it look very bad.”  The printing on the kurta is inspired from a painting and the fabric used is 100% cotton. The outfit has a soft silhouette and is durable for the summer season. It costs Rs3,950.

A&F collection by Bonanza

In a string of hiring designers and celebs for its collections, Bonanza has taken Aijaz Aslam and Faisal Qureshi on board this Eid, to design the menswear collection. The collection consists of typical intricate embroidery around the neckline, sleeves and even the colour fitting into a more formal category. “This brown kurta is my top pick since it’s my favourite colour and has very delicate and decent embroidery giving it a more formal look,” says Aslam. The kurta is available for Rs4,980.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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“I don’t think the BMI can be instituted here because our industry is too small and there are not enough models,” says Raheel Rao, editor of Diva Magazine. Editor of Xpoze Magazine Andleeb Rana concurs, adding that models are not seasoned enough either. “When I am selecting a model, my major concern is whether the model is over-exposed or if she has aged,” says Rana. “I need girls people can relate to.”

While the answer to the question ‘who is to blame’ will have everyone pointing fingers at one another, industry insiders argue that designers create unrealistic sizes that require skinny models. To be ahead in the rat race, models go through extreme measures to stay skinny. The motto in the fashion industry is: the skinnier, the better.

“You can’t [always] blame the models because there are certain designers who will not allow a model to wear their clothes if she is not super skinny,” continues Rao. “Many designers are sceptical of using Ayaan because they feel she is overweight.”

Rana reiterates that models in Pakistan cannot be selected on the basis of the BMI. “Our market is very different because of the clothes we have — if a model has a paunchy stomach, it will be hidden by a kameez,” she says.

Fashion photographer Shaani of Guddu & Shaani says, “Often, a model is perfectly fit and toned at the beginning of her career but gains weight and isn’t in shape once she gets some fame — most clients, editors and photographers don’t give such models priority. They avoid casting her.”

All editors and council members vow that adequate nutrition is provided to models during shoots and shows. “We spend almost Rs900,000 on food boxes for models and the organising committee during fashion weeks,” says Saad Ali of Pakistan Fashion Design Council (PFDC). Shamaeel Ansari, Chairperson of Fashion Pakistan Week, adds, “Not only are two meals provided, smoking backstage is not allowed either.” While these measures are appreciated, there is still no regulatory body that ensures that models are healthy and drug-free. “We get all our models through Catwalk and they handle the hiring aspect of the Fashion Week,” she explains.

Iraj Manzoor, who has modeled for 23 years, speaks candidly about her experience. “Models need to work out for a couple of hours every day,” says Iraj. “While food is provided at fashion weeks and shoots, one can never know when one of the girls will go to the toilet and throw it all out.” She feels when it comes to taking responsibility for this obsession with being skinny, a vicious blame-game takes place which travels from one member of the industry to the next.

Iraj recounts instances where designers have yelled at models and made them cry for gaining weight. “When new girls enter the industry, it can be harsh. For them, fame means more than the profession, hence, they resort to various shortcuts to lose weight,” she says. “But one can’t just blame editors and designers either. You will often hear one model telling the other how she has gained weight just to put her down.”

This entire debate reflects the bigger problem of society’s distorted perception of beauty. Whether it’s models eating tissue paper to ‘feel full’ or H&M using computer-generated models to achieve a specific look, the truth is that the ‘emaciated’ look is en vogue.

“Regardless of what anyone says or what they believe, the skinniest model will be hired,” confirms Iraj.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

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In a first-ever physical showcase, she displayed a collection of kurtas, shirts and palazzos at a two-day exhibition at L’atelier that ended on Saturday. The sleek kurtas in silks, cottons and Arabic lawns lined the racks along with wide-legged palazzos. They exuded a summer-fresh feel with ample use of sea green, bright yellow, orange, black and red. The palazzos came in Aztec, “Hawaii” beach and disco screen prints. Each kurta had a unique print on the back. The prices ranged from Rs3,500 (for casuals) to Rs8,500 (for semi-formals). The clothing sizes ranged from eight to 20.

“I’ve mainly focused on the kind of clothes teenage girls and working women wear. You will see everything from casual, party to semi-formal wear. I’ve noticed that people don’t really dress up too much during summer so these clothes can be worn on any occasion,” she said. Even though the designer had wanted to include jumpsuits to the ensemble as well, she felt the city did not have much of a market for them.

The designer, who takes orders for formal wear as well, believes the fashion industry has become highly competitive for newcomers who showcase their work at multi-label boutiques, where the average customer already has preconceived notions about well-known brands.

Afsheen, who seemed very pleased with a kurta she bought at the exhibition, said, “The clothes are chic and well-made. I really like the little details such as the cuts and the metallic buttons. Also, it’s good to have the option of different sizes which is hard to come by elsewhere.”

With only a few months into the business, the young designer is carving a niche for herself and is ready to take on the challenges and demands that surface along the way.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 28^th, 2013.

NEW DEHLI: If you were born in the ‘70s or ‘80s and were a hardcore Bollywood movie buff, then you probably have a very strong emotional bond with the actors who then ruled the screens. Sanjay Dutt is one actor who wowed us with his action stunts as well as with his mellow side. And when he was charged for possessing banned arms and ammunitions — in 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts case — many hearts were broken. The actor, who surrendered on May 16 to serve a three-and-a-half years’ jail term — remaining out of his five-year sentence — will now step out of prison around November 2016.

Dutt’s last hope of leaving jail were dashed earlier this week as the Supreme Court refused to revisit its March 21 verdict upholding his conviction under the Arms Act and five-year jail sentence.

“We have gone through the curative petition and the relevant documents. In our opinion, no case is made out within the parametres indicated in the [earlier] decision of this court…Hence, the curative petition is dismissed,” said Chief Justice P Sathasivam, Justice GS Singhvi and Justice BS Chauhan.

Dutt had pleaded to the court to revisit its March 21 order which upheld his conviction. The court then offered him partial relief by reducing his sentence from six years, as awarded by the trial court, to five years.

On March 21, the court gave the actor additional time to surrender to serve the remaining period of his five-year sentence.

A Special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court, which heard the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts cases, acquitted Dutt of charges under the stringent anti-terror law but convicted him under the Arms Act for unauthorised possession of banned arms and ammunitions.

The TADA court had convicted Dutt on Nov 28, 2006, and he was sentenced June 31, 2007.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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LOS ANGELES: A judge in Southern California on Friday has postponed ruling on whether the parents of troubled Hollywood actor Amanda Bynes should be granted legal control over the former teenage star’s affairs.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Glen Reiser pushed back the hearing to August 9 because Bynes, who is 27-years-old, is under court-ordered psychiatric care for the next two weeks, according to a court official.

Her parents have asked the court to grant them conservatorship after Bynes allegedly started a small fire in the driveway of a home in the Los Angeles suburb of Thousand Oaks on Monday.

Ventura County Sheriff deputies immediately placed the former teenage star of Nickelodeon series All That in involuntary psychiatric care at a local hospital.

Bynes was born in Thousand Oaks and grew up there. She has been a part of films including What a Girl Wants, She’s the Man and Hairspray but made headlines over the past year for erratic behaviour, legal problems and odd posts on Twitter.

Bynes, who is on probation in California for driving on a suspended license, faces charges in the state for allegedly driving under the influence and in New York, for marijuana possession and throwing a glass bong out of her 36th floor Manhattan apartment.

She isn’t the only young celebrity whose been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Pop singer Britney Spears was placed under conservatorship in 2008 following a personal meltdown and divorce. Her father and lawyer remain in control of her legal and financial affairs.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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Cameron Diaz apparently finds Robert Pattinson hot! She is even said to have accepted a wine-tasting invite to spend some time with the Twilight star.

“Cameron thinks Rob is really hot and is up for making a play for him. The fact that he’s 27 doesn’t bother her,” thesun.co.uk quoted a source. Diaz is 40. She hasn’t worked with Pattinson yet, but the two have known each other for a while.

“She has known him for a while, but decided to keep a respectful distance while he was in a relationship with Kristen Stewart,” he said.

Diaz recently received an invite from Reese Witherspoon for wine-tasting at her residence, and ever since she got to know that Pattinson would be present there too, she is said to have quickly made up her mind to attend it.

“Now he’s single so as soon as she knew Reese was hosting a four-day wine-tasting weekend at her home in Ojai, she was quick to get in on the act,” said the source.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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MUMBAI: Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan has acted in numerous movies since he stepped foot into the film industry — some were hits, some were super hits and some were flops; some were romance-filled and some were action-filled dramas. Although he feels that he can play any role, he admits that there is a natural censorship system inside him which doesn’t allow him to cross certain boundaries.

“I do believe that an actor, who is self aware, will never do a film which is not an extension of his personality,” he said, while in conversation with lyricist Prasoon Joshi at an event where he was honoured with the Rajasthan Patrika Concerned Communicator Award.

“So somewhere I feel my upbringing has been very simple. My parents taught me good things,” he added. “Personally, I shy away from saying something wrong.” Shahrukh feels that an actor’s personality reflects in the kind of films he is a part of. “I can’t say certain things in my films. I feel that it will not look good when I watch the movies with my kids or even when I’m watching them alone.”

“There is a natural censorship [policy] inside my system,” added the 47-year-old actor, who has been involved in many controversies. “But having said that, I don’t know if that censorship is so personal — especially my sense of humour — that people [still] get me wrong [sometimes]; and it hurts sentiments and disturbs people.”

In his glorious career, Shahrukh has essayed negative roles in Darr, Baazigar and Anjaam and later, earned the tag of the Badshah of Romance by playing a perfect lover boy in romantic films such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He was also lauded for his performances in Swades and Chak De! India.

No matter how good an actor he is, Shahrukh feels that there are still boundaries he is naturally inclined to stay within. “I can do this role or that [role]. I can also prepare and change my personality a little to fit into a certain role that I want to play,” he said. “But as hard as I try, I don’t think it can ever go beyond my upbringing.”

Currently, the actor is busy promoting his forthcoming film Chennai Express. Directed by Rohit Sherry, the film features Deepika Padukone as the female lead.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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Hair styling guru Saba Ansari was spotted at the Launch of Essie Nail Polish in Karachi looking way too bright for our eyes. While yellow is en-vogue this summer, we are not sure if such an overdose of mustard can fit into the ‘fashionable’ category. Here is what she did wrong:

The charge sheet

Hair

We admit that Saba is the queen of hairstyling and make-up but this particular nest on her head is probably more suitable for a wedding. A simple side-parted bun or a French twist would have been a more appropriate choice for the event.

Make-up

While we are fans of Sabs’ bridal and party make-up, we are not so sure about that tinge of pale yellow/gold eye shadow. Apart from that, the make-up is thankfully subtle and elegant and not as overboard as her outfit. Good job!

Outfit

Printed trousers classify as one of the hottest trends this summer and while these bright yellow ZARA pants are super-chic, the matching top makes the entire outfit look like an eyesore. We previously saw actor Sophie Choudry sporting the exact same pair of trousers — featured in our This or That column — with a simple white tank top. We would have appreciated if Saba took some pointers before leaving her house.

Accessories and Shoes

It seems Saba was overly fascinated with egg-yolkish yellow and maybe that is why she made the biggest mistake of wearing plastic-like flower earrings in yellow colour as well. The Chanel chain belt is very voguish but does not complement the outfit well. The oversize maroon ring looks completely out of place and while we would like to give her points for toning it down with nude-coloured shoes and bag, the box-heeled sandals are not that appealing. A nice pair of flats or pumps would have done the trick.

Bail out!

Feeha Jamshed

Feeha keeps the funk alive with a pair of printed, flowy palazzos and nude crisp menswear-inspired shirt.

We love how she has used that big black belt to enhance her petite figure and added a bit of quirkiness with the mint nail colour.

Sanam Chaudhri

Designer Sanam Chaudhri pulls off this cool and casual look with ease.

The black and white striped print is a better way to try your hands at the new trend as they give a slimming effect.

The studded wedges and that neon-coloured funky necklace is scoring high on our style-o-meter.

Sania Maskatiya

The talented designer is known for her simple and casual sense of style. Sania looks uber-chic in snake-skin textured pants and a loose white top. She keeps it fresh with a trendy braid and camel-coloured chappals.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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In national accounts of Pakistan, roti is an approximation for food. Kapra is synonymous with clothing and footwear, and makaan can be taken as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. These three areas take up 34.8%, 7.6% and 29.4% respectively of all spending in Pakistan.

According to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2012-13, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) witnessed an annual increase of 7.8% in the fiscal year 2012-13. Interestingly, inflation in prices of recreation items was the highest at 18.3%, followed by alcoholic beverages and tobacco at 17.5% and clothing and footwear at 14.7%. Prices of food and housing related items increased by only 6.6% and 4.1% respectively.

So while food and housing may constitute a large chunk of spending, their prices have remained relatively stable compared to other goods. In fact, food items only contributed 2.7% of inflation in 2012-13. Similarly, housing related items contributed only 3.7% of inflation in the same period. While clothing and footwear had high inflation, their relatively low share of overall spending also means the impact was not that significant.

In fact, the real source of inflation in Pakistan is not the increase in these three essential groups, but rather other lifestyle related items.

The data suggests that the average consumer’s lifestyle is improving and is spending more on lifestyle products. Those who suggest that ordinary people are being hit by inflation must keep in mind that for a vast majority of the population, particularly in urban areas, the choice is between an improved lifestyle, or spending more of their disposable income, and maintaining a certain lifestyle, or saving more of their disposable income. It seems most people are voluntarily choosing the former, which some people have started calling as lifestyle inflation.

This lifestyle shift is expected in most emerging markets, and Pakistan is no exception. Because of increasing consumer awareness and improved lifestyle products, consumers are spending a higher share of their disposable income on lifestyle products.

This is particularly evident in the telecommunications industry. For example, people from all income brackets tend to change mobile handsets frequently, even if there is no real need to do so.

Lifestyle shifts can be seen in other areas too. More households in Pakistan now send their children to private schools, prefer to use private health facilities, and have started eating out more than they used to in the past. All these activities are captured in the CPI, and not surprisingly their contribution to inflation is significant.

Also to take into account is the qualitative aspect of inflation. As the quality of lifestyle goods and services improve, their prices rise. While one may be paying more now for a given quantity of a good or service, it may be the case that the increase in price is due to improved quality of the good or service.

For instance, someone may be paying more for a haircut today than five years ago. While part of the increase in price can be explained by an increase in the general price level, it is possible that the person has started going to a more expensive hairstylist rather than visiting a traditional barber. It is also equally possible that the same barbershop has improved the quality of its services, revising its price list upwards.

The crux of the matter is that while in Pakistan, the general public is creating a lot of fuss about inflation the price hike may not entirely be about roti, kapra aur makaan. It may be more to do with lifestyle changes and a strong urge on the part of middle-income groups to improve the quality and quantity of the goods and services they wish to consume.

The writer is an economist and a PhD from Cambridge University.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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About two months ago, Pappu was admitted to Mayo Hospital in Lahore to receive treatment after a bout of psoriatic arthritis during the Mekaal Hasan Band’s (MHB) tour of India. The incident, in Pappu’s words, “shocked” him, but the zealous artist is determined to make a full recovery. “I was practicing the flute for about 14 hours a day. I literally could not play the same flute that I had put away at night,” Pappu recalls.

Given his undying love for the instrument, Pappu says he tries not to think about the possibility of not being able to play the flute again; he instead focuses on strengthening his muscles. Pappu was his own motivator in troubled times. “I thought that if I continue to practice in this condition and work on my fingers, then no matter how much pain there is, I would be able to play the flute again.”

Pappu’s journey began when he ventured into the film industry as a playback flautist between the ’70s and ’80s. He also had a long-term association with Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and other famed artists such as Alam Lohar and Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi. “The film industry once played an important role for thriving music in the country. Gradually, people who did not come from a film-making background joined the industry, in order to get fame. That became the reason of its decline,” says Pappu.

However, the industry’s decline could not hurt the demand for Pappu’s skill. Even today, he is booked to play with the country’s leading musicians and artists.

The demise of Pappu’s father in his early life pushed him to do something to sustain himself — his choice was music. “I never felt overburdened. You can never feel overburdened by music,” he says.

As a flautist, Pappu is known for his breathtaking solos, which can be traced back throughout his extensive playback career. He feels that the industry lacks quality flautists and that the government does not provide any support to bring out new talent. “There was a time when there were platforms where one could learn and play the flute. Now, due to the absence of such spaces, people have started to learn through alternative means, such as the internet. However, one can’t learn until there is a watchful teacher to guide them,” says Pappu.

Pappu, the oldest member of the Mekaal Hasan Band, met Mekaal during the Pete Lockett tour in 1999. After that, the two decided that they should form a band which would focus on making fusion music comprising sufi and rock genres. “Our sound has always worked with two types of boundaries — sufism, with extensive use of different tunes and poetry, and rock,” says Pappu.

Pappu says that the band’s third album, Andholan, will be a treat for MHB fans due to the amount of flute and guitar solos in it. “When it hits the market, people will enjoy the flute and guitar solos. The audience will hear how lengthy and improvised the parts are,” says Pappu.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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In this environment, Pappu Samrat remains to be the lone ranger – possibly the only experienced film choreographer on this side of the border. With several films premiering on Eid, Samrat has choreographed ‘item songs’ and dance sequences for Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Ishq Khuda. Having worked in all types of film for pretty much every director, he is the most sought-after choreographer for film today.

Pappu Samrat has choreographed ‘item songs’ and dance sequences for Main Hoon Shahid Afridi and Ishq Khuda. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

“I can’t explain what has happened, but I think because of the lack of education, I don’t see many youngsters interested in choreography,” he says. He feels that the industry has shifted away from classical dance, so there is a growing need for professional choreographers. “We are seeing some new choreographers come about through new films, but there is obviously still some time before this area is perfected.”

Samrat blames the absence of dance culture and intent from actors to learn dance for the huge talent gap when it comes to male dancers. “There isn’t really any will amongst male actors when it comes to learning to dance,” he says, without taking names. “In fact, this has a lot to do with how characters are presented. For example, if a hero is a police inspector, he has to be a macho man. Our audiences have not accepted something different,” says Samrat.

No way to go but up

Despite the low number of dance sequences and subsequent participation from actors, there is hope that dance talent will be promoted as Pakistani films evolve.

Screenwriter and director Pervaiz Kaleem says that the over-all execution of films is being forced to change thanks to new films entering the market. He elaborates that screenplay, dialogue and direction require a new aesthetic which is different from classical films. As a result, dances will also have to improve.

“Dance is an integral part of Pakistani films because it gives life to music,” says Kaleem.  Despite this, Kaleem feels there is a dearth of choreographers and that most directors, no matter which background they come from, tend to use Samrat for his experience and skill.

“There are only a few people who have the experience and knowledge to provide good sequences,” he adds. “I have not seen much innovation on this front.”

Lollywood versus Pollywood

Samrat’s competitor and rival, choreographer Nigah Hussain, who choreographed the Lux Style Awards this year, also feels that dance will evolve when the Pakistani film industry takes off. Hussain says that the lack of dance academies has contributed to the dearth of choreographers in the country.  “There still is no film industry to speak of. Till new films with new stories and ideas are made, new dances cannot be made,” says Hussain.

Despite this, he says investment is being made for better dances and points out that even Pollywood has started to work on increased budgets to produce better sequences that could compete with Lollywood.

“I think that we have talented individuals who have the ability to perform,” he says. “Many major actors in Lollywood have done good sequences.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2013.

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