With the launch of www.style360labels.com, previously labelsestore, the two have partnered to bring fashion to lovers of Pakistani fashion in and out of Pakistan. By running a ticker about the e-store on Hum Network of dramas, the two will ensure that viewers in the US, UK, Canada and Australia will be aware of Pakistani retailing online.

Rahimtoola spoke of the partnership with Hum Network, as well as its support in bringing business to Labels. “Forty per cent of Labels’ business comes from Hum Network; which has been a pro-active partner in circulating Mahira Khan’s Feeha Jamshed outfits in Humsafar and Sania Maskatiya creations later in Shehr-e-Zaat.” He said that Mahira’s vast fan following has resulted in his team receiving a flurry of emails requesting outfits worn by her on the shows.

Siddiqui, president of Hum Network which operates Style360 said, “Whenever I do business ventures, I often think of women’s empowerment. For me, Humsafar is a success story unto itself. We know people from Bollywood like Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan, but here Mahira Khan and Fawad Khan have gained popularity at a global level.”

Fashion Council Pakistan chair-person Shamaeel Ansari said, “This collaboration is yet another opportunity to move in the right direction. It’s a great milestone. From March onwards, all collections of the Fashion Pakistan Week designers will be at this e-store, available for everyone to buy.”

Zeba Husain of The House of Ensemble said, “It’s a great idea. It will be a plus point for designers to move to places they can’t go on their own.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.

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January 20 — February 18

In love with an Aquarian? Ms T. has the inside scoop on what makes this sign unique, how to make him yours and what not to do to drive him away

Inside the Aquarian’s head

Understanding an Aquarian’s mind is like solving the Rubik’s cube in two minutes — close to impossible. He can be annoyingly mysterious, disturbingly intellectual and fiercely independent. And for a relationship, these characteristics can seem wonderful at first and then torturous later on. He’ll take any risk in life, except one that involves committing to marriage. Navigating an Aquarian man towards a committed relationship is like walking through a minefield.

He can be extremely flexible in some regards and rigidly stubborn in others. Although he doesn’t have regular charm, his quirky sense of humour is probably his most redeeming quality. He’s a big believer of his own ideals and will always stay true to them.

Match made in heaven

Aquarius man —Gemini woman

The passionate and flirty Gemini woman will forever intrigue an Aquarian man. This bold, adventurous woman will challenge the Aquarian’s ideas and always keep him guessing.

DON’T even think about it!

Aquarius man — Aquarius woman

When you put two independent thinkers together, you’d expect fireworks right? Wrong! In the case of these two, both will see too much of themselves in each other, constantly point out each other’s faults without realising that they are making the same mistakes themselves.

How to rope in an Aquarian?

1.  Stay as elusive and mysterious as him. The moment he realises you are into him, his fascination and adoration will shift to the next woman.

2.  Tickle his funny bone. There is nothing he likes more than a witty woman who can make him laugh.

What makes him vanish like air?

1.  Dropping the “C” word on your first date. Commitment is to an Aquarian, what a dog is to a cat. It makes him run wildly in search for cover.

2.  Making him feel used in any way. If you’re using an Aquarian for money, power or a good time, he has a great BS detector and will instantly call you on it.

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, February 3^rd, 2013.

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My children need me differently and I’m learning to listen to both

Beti is talking  — a lot. Unfortunately, we mostly don’t understand a word she’s saying. We pretty much tune out given how occupied we are in listening to Beta, who has also recently made great strides in the art of conversation. So, we’ll be driving along somewhere and a little four-year-old boy-voice will pipe up from the back seat, “The traffic light is red. We have to stop.” Now, I realise for most four-year-olds that’s a pretty run-of-the-mill statement but for us, since Beta has come late to the talking game, it’s a cause for celebration. With that one little sentence, delivered in his clear, high, dear little voice, Beta will reduce us to mush. “Why, yes, it IS red. We WILL have to stop!” I will exclaim joyfully. “He’s my boy genius!” Hums will declare proudly and we will laugh and revel in the moment, almost missing little Beti who is now singing, “Genius! Genius! Gee-NUSH! GEEensh! Gish!”

At home, Beti will be in her highchair, flailing her arms and insisting, “Buh, buh, buh!” Only, I’ll be extremely busy doing Very Important Grown Up Work like, you know, working my way through someone’s Facebook pictures, not really listening, so I’ll just say it back to her like a chant   — “Are you saying, buh, buh, buh?!”  — until she eventually gets frustrated and yells, “BUH!” And then I will look over to see that she is trying to wrench something out from under her chair, “Oh! You want the ball!” It’s not out of any less love, certainly, and things will surely change as she grows, but that conversation right there defines our current relationship with Beti: she is gamely tagging along for the ride.

When she was about to be born  — and I suspect this phenomenon is common among about-to-be second-time parents  — I watched Beta more closely, trying harder to remember every single detail about his three-year-old self and burn it into my brain. I was so sure that my poor boy would be neglected or ignored once a sibling arrived.  And now? “What’s Beti upto?” some of my friends have asked and I find it funny, because there are insinuations of too much focus on my firstborn, the complete opposite of what I thought would happen. It’s true that I end up thinking more and subsequently writing more about Beta, and I think it’s because my relationship with him is so complex. Not crazily complex, but just a little complicated because of the normal challenges of his growing independence and the special challenges of his temperament and abilities.

Which is, of course, the same way I’d describe Beti: she’s all for the growing independence and the temperament. Beti is prone to flinging herself flat on the ground in weeping agony if I suggest she not do something. But then Beta still does that, so maybe this propensity for tantrums is a genetic thing with my children. <Glance accusingly at the husband>. So, yes, I will pay her attention during a meltdown but the truth is, I don’t think about Beti all that much  — and I mean that in the best possible way. Because, most of the time, she crawls everywhere on her happy baby knees. She laughs for no reason and makes funny faces. She plays tenderly with dolls and animals. She holds the marker in her fist and scribbles a complicated tangle on the whiteboard, reciting “H, I, J, K.” She follows her big Bhai Jan like a little puppy, watching eagerly to see what offering of grace he may casually throw her way. As soon as Hums holds her, she buries her face into that space of neck between his shoulder and ear and gives a little purr of satisfaction.

When I think about the kids, I find that with Beta I analyse and agonise over this or that, but Beti? I just want to tell you about her crinkled nose. Of course, I don’t mean to say that there’s not plenty going on in her own life, but for now, she is, in a classic Urdu/English-ism, set. Her only struggle right now is being misunderstood. She is trying as hard as her 14-month-old brain and mouth will allow, to communicate exactly what she wants. And I feel for her, but I know that in some fundamental way, that her frustration’s okay. Sab set hai. But when I watch Beta struggling the same way sometimes, trying to say things that aren’t coming out right, and being unable to figure out how to fix them, I really feel for him.

In any case, we can always count on the kids to invalidate any of our grand ideas. Even as I am vowing to listen more carefully to both the kids and be more helpful in their attempts to communicate, they, on the other hand, seem to be suffering from bouts of deafness. If Mickey Mouse is on or if the Play-Doh is out, I can call their names till I’m hoarse, to no avail. Or, at other times, I could tell Beta to drink his milk and he will say blankly, “What?” And I will say, “Drink your milk.” And he will say, “What, Mumma?” And I will say with gritted teeth, “Drink. Your. Milk.” There will be no end to this conversation that doesn’t involve me losing it.

Naturally, just to keep me on my toes, the children’s selective deafness can often morph into astonishing bionic hearing. I can no longer hum anything, anywhere in the house. “Who’s doing the singing?” Beta will yell from the living room before bursting into a rendition of the national anthem. And, no matter how much I try, I can’t unwrap a KitKat surreptitiously. “What are you doing, Mumma? What sounds like that? Is that a chocolate?” Beta will call. “Cha, cha, cha, CHA!” Beti will chant. And they will both race towards me.

They are so different, Beta and Beti. And yet the same. They’re my gee-nush bachchay and whenever they do start talking properly, I’ll be glad to listen.

Hiba Masood is a stay-at-home mother to four-year-old Beta and one-year-old Beti. Writing about parenting affords her time away from actually doing it

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, February 3^rd, 2013.

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Dr Raja Mustafa Hyder’s appointment to the board seems like a good idea. The man came off as deserving, competent and seasoned enough to introduce some important changes to the board.

“We are trying to bring a more modernised form of censorship and promote entertainment for entertainment’s sake,” says Hyder, based in Islamabad.  “We have to make sure that the material does not incite riots or hurt our national honour.”

Welcome changes

The new censor board has “cut the excess fat”, which had been associated with the institution in the form of nepotism and cronyism, said the new chairman. The original 64 members on the board have been reduced to 21.

It now includes representation mainly from bureaucrats, lawyers, and anchors. When asked why people from the industry were not present on the board, Hyder said, “It will fuel a conflict of interest.”

During a full-board meeting, Hyder explained that a new rating system would be implemented, and licences and the rating should me made part of a film’s trailer. He also said that the censor board would soon be updating its outdated screening hall and moving away from 35mm films.

The rating system will be brought to more normative standards so that viewers can also pre-censor the film before deciding to watch it. Hyder said that the rating system would be broken down into three categories: ‘C’ for cleared, ‘B’ for banned, and ‘R’ for restricted films. However, it wasn’t clear how a film marked as ‘B’ would reach the viewer in the first place.

Hyder explains that the ratings will be based on variables of national security, obscenity, nudity, dances, gory images, hurting national/religious sentiments, bestiality and lastly plagiarism.

“What is good for India may not be good for us,” says Hyder.  “We must pay heed to our national identity and culture while censoring

However, Nadeem Mandvi­walla, the managing director of Mandivalla Entertainment, thought that the rating system was futile as films were being cut in spite of it.

“It makes no sense to have a rating system and then cut films. Furthermore, no matter how much you improve the rules and regulations, the films are available through the internet and DVDs,” said Mandviwalla.

Qualified optimism

The appointment of a new censor board chairman seems to have provided little encouragement to people from the film industry.

Chaudary Kamran, a producer and a vocal critic of the government’s censor policy, said that federal government’s role in censoring should be limited to foreign films.

“The issue is that the Punjab government is not doing anything for films,” says Kamran. “The other issue is that not many Pakistani films are being made to begin with.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.

LAHORE: Boxer Amir Khan made a two-day trip to Pakistan to prepare for his wedding which is scheduled to take place on May 31, reported Express News on Tuesday.

In Lahore, Khan visited the Data Darbar shrine where he prayed for his success and for the success of other Muslims across the world. He also spent some time in Rawalpindi before arriving in Lahore.

Khan got engaged to Pakistani-American student Faryal Makhdoom on January 29 last year and will get married to her this year in New York. The boxer said that he will invite Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi to his wedding.

Khan had also visited Pakistan in December 2011 to participate as a chief guest in the second Benazir Bhutto International Boxing Tournament. He had said that he will support Pakistani boxers and that he was here to boost their morale.

“This is going to be a very convenient place for young mothers and their children. They will learn a lot through these activities and this will result in a positive bond between them,” says Ahmed who has been mentored by culinary expert Denise Vivaldo in Los Angeles.

“There are currently no cooking stylists in Karachi apart from me,” she adds. Ahmed believes cooking alone does not create a child’s personality but language and reading skills are also very important for their development.

At the opening, the place was decorated with candles which gave it a more homely touch while several mouthwatering delights were also served to guests, such as cannolis with pistachio sauce, fish and shrimp tacos, chocolate and mocha bites, desi Hyderabadi kababs and mirchi ka salan.

“We love people. I am a people’s person and so is my partner and this project is a result of that,” says Khan, adding that they both have an innate desire to teach children. Apart from the basic education that is received at schools, the duo feels young ones should know how to bake and cook as well.

Learning activities are scheduled to take place at the studio every Saturday. Classes will last for an hour and the cost of each session is Rs500 per child.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.

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The song, which was originally released in the ‘80s, was not an original composition but a more upbeat arrangement of the song popular Guantanamera by the American folk rock quartet Sandpipers. The originality of the song is debatable, but it turned out to be one of Alamgir’s first hits, opening doors for musicians with a contemporary approach to music in an era which was primarily governed by classical and semi-classical music. The new version of the song is a jingle for The Coca Cola Company but a re-recorded version of the classic with Alamgir giving fresh vocals to his old song. The quality of his vocals is impressive for a person in their late 50s. Alamgir proves that he is an undisputed champion of Pakistani music and continues to create magic with his voice.

Former Vital Signs member and producer of Alamgir’s new song, Shahi Hasan deserves credit for being a new age musician when rediscovering Pakistani classics. We saw him do wonders with the soundtrack for Tanhaiyaan Naye Silsilay, where he completely revamped the original Tanhaiyaan which was composed by none other than Arshad Mehmood. A contemporary and upbeat sound set not only the right pace for the drama’s popularity but also introduced a very different side to singer Zoe Viccaji. Shahi definitely knows precisely where to place an artist and that is why Amir Zaki’s deadly guitar playing skills take the song to the next level. The new Albela Rahi is short and relatively lighter in its arrangement of instruments. The hollowness in the composition actually provides a lot of space for the soothing and ever evolving vocals of Alamgir. Combined with simple, catchy acoustic guitar-playing by Asad Ahmed, Albela Rahi provides a soothing melody.

Blast from the past

Fans of the new Albela Rahi should go online and watch the original video. You will see a younger version of Alamgir performing the complete Albela Rahi at a PTV studio recording; he is fresh and unrefined, trying his best to lip sync. Beside him, you will see a teenaged Amir Zaki, who is now a guitar guru. In a white sweater and yellow shirt, Zaki is mimicking the groove to perfection with the conviction of a true rock star showing on his face. The revamped version of Albela Rahi tells you how relevant Alamgir is today and if the rumours are true, then we might as well see a bit of him in the upcoming season of Coke Studio 7. If they are baseless, we hope Coke gives him a chance to jam with the best musicians in the country — it’s safe to say that he won’t disappoint!

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.

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LAHORE: Who says that women are the only ones crazy about lawn? We have reason to believe that men cooped up in offices are in fact crazier about the product! It is their obsession that in turn feeds the obsession of lawn addicts that are drawn to exhibitions all The Express Tribune talks to a few market players to see how advertising works for lawnover the country.

Given that lawn is a product that sells itself — being the most purchased material in the country — one would think that lawn manufacturers don’t need to bring in the likes of Sonam and Karishma Kapoor for endorsements. But in the face of fierce competition with about a hundred participants in the lawn race, advertising agencies are constantly on edge about standing out and one upping the competition.

Just like women brag about latest fashion acquisitions, men about cars, watches and business deals, lawn manufacturers boast their campaigns with larger than life billboards dotted across the city. One can almost imagine them muttering “I’m bringing Aaminah Sheikh, what have you got?” to themselves, as they cash in on the borderline obsessive compulsive disorder women have developed for lawn.

With news of about Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Karisma Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri being brought into the lawn ad war this year, The Express Tribune spoke to a few market players to see how advertising works for lawn.

“Advertising works purely on the consensus of the entire team,” says Amir Ahsan of Hussain Mills Limited. “We are bringing in Nargis Fakhri this year purely to raise the value of the brand. Elan has a very elite clientele and our model has to portray the same lifestyle we want our clients to have.”

Faraz Manan from Crescent Lawn, whose lawn is being modeled by Karisma, explains how the campaigns reflect the intent of the brand. “A few brands use them as sales gimmicks, while others use them more tastefully. Our concern is not to get a one-time sale, but to build a long lasting relationship with our fans and consumers. High end super models aren’t a way to get sales. Rather, we see them as people who are the best at what they do, endorsing us because we are the best at what we do,” he says. “We use high end celebs to reinforce our brand equity, and that in the long run, enhances our brand equity and consequently sales.”

Sapphire Group working with Sania Maskatiya this year takes a slightly different take on the matter. “We chose Sana Sarfaraz; actor, model and aspiring humanitarian. This young lady also possesses an admirable professional drive. Determined to pursue a Masters degree in NGO Management, not only does she embody the relaxed elegance of our lawn physically, but an inspirational charisma which both Sapphire and Sania Maskatiya deeply respect as well. We feel she adds prestige to our lawn. Having said that, there is no substitute for the fine quality of designs, fabrics and embellishments; without these, no celebrity or model’s endorsement would be incomplete or adequate,” says Nabeel Abdullah, director of the Sapphire Group.

‘Brace yourself… Asim Jofa billboards are back!’

This was just one of the many Twitter posts on Asim Jofa’s lawn billboards. As always, his campaign has got tongues wagging. Phrases such as “My love does cost a thing”, “A woman is a diamond’s best friend” and “I am nature’s miracle” call out to the senses, as they loom on billboards in Karachi against beautiful hues and ethereal figures.

Muzaffar Manghi, the General Manager at Red Communications and the force behind the latest campaign, talks about the brand’s objective. “We are not trying to sell lawn,” he says. “We are trying to sell a brand. If Aston Martin comes out and sells a doodh ka dabba, people will buy it [because of the brand].”

Referring to Jofa’s flamboyant billboards, Manghi says that the curiosity is what gets people to check out the jora. “Last year, even during a hartaal women came and shopped,” he boasted, adding, “I want to create a scenario whereby if Asim comes up with a $1,000 dollar lipstick, it will sell.”

Manghi describes the trend of using Bollywood faces in Pakistani lawn campaigns as a “different way to approach the same problem”, but feels there is a down side. “Deepika’s face is bigger than the brand she’s representing. So it may be known as ‘Deepika wali lawn’; women will buy it, but should they be buying the face or the brand?” he asks.

At the end, he adds that these billboards are created to generate a buzz about Asim Jofa lawn, and that catalogues and campaigns with pretty models wearing lawn prints will follow.

“Ultimately, it boils down to ‘Is my Deepika prettier than your Priyanka?’; all lawn ads have pretty, tall women wearing a lawn jora — Asim Jofa just does a little more before that.”

Mausummery  

February 1 in Karachi

Junaid Jamshed Lawn Prints

February 14 nationwide

Zebaish Lawn by Zohaib Textiles

Mid-February in Karachi

Ayesha Somaya Lawn

February 21 in Karachi

Nadia Hussain by Shariq Textile

End of February nationwide 

Mausummery by Huma

End of February in Karachi and beginning of March in Lahore

Kayeseria Summer

End of February in Lahore

Maria  B. Lawn

March 1 in Karachi and Lahore

Faraz Manan by Crescent

March 4 in Lahore

Sania Maskatiya Lawn by Sapphire Textiles

March 1 in Karachi and March 8 in Lahore

Kamal Lawn by Zara Shahjahan

March 7 in Karachi and March 12 in Lahore

JJ Valaya Lawn by 5Star

Beginning of March in Karachi and Lahore

Mahiyam Lawn by Zohaib Textiles

First week of March in Karachi

Hira Lari Lawn by Afroz Textile

Mid-March in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore and Islamabad 

SanaSafinaz Lawn

Mid-March in nationwide

Rizwan Beyg Lawn by Zohaib Textiles

Mid-March nationwide

Wardha Saleem Lawn by Shariq

Mid-March nationwide

Ayesha Zara Lawn by Zohaib Textiles

Mid-March in Karachi

Elan by Hussain Textile

March 14 in Lahore

Sobia Nazir

March 15 in Karachi and Islamabad

Lawn Prints by Kuki Concepts

Mid-March nationwide

Nida Azwer Lawn

End of March in Karachi and Lahore

Lala Collection

End of March in Lahore and Karachi

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2013.

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Actor Kajol was spotted looking like Morticia Addams at Dabboo Ratnani’s 2013 Calendar launch. Her outfit was a total eye sore.

However, at Asha Bhosle’s acting debut MAI she walked in wearing a breathtakingly beautiful sari and looked fabulous. We wonder what brought on the transformation — possibly the use of a better trainer and stylist?

This

Hair & Maku-up

Boring hair never looked this bad; some effort was much needed. She went for natural make-up which did not help her already blah look.

Clothes

We are trying to figure out whether that is a long skirt paired with a top, waist belt and that loud pink scarf or if it’s all one piece mess? It’s disastrous either way — she should not bother with that outfit ever again.

Accessories & Shoes

Too much cover for comfort. Forget the accessories, we can’t even see the shoes!

that?

Hair & Make-up

Kajol was wowed us with this look. Her hair is in a neat up-do, with just the right amount of volume on her crown. Kajol is always the diva and never the drama queen when it comes to her make-up. Soft lips and natural cheeks look good.

Clothes

That sari has us turning green with envy! Kajol’s definitely sporting the figure for this gorgeous net sari!

Accessories & Shoes

Her bangles and clutch complete her already ethereal look. We’ve got an eye out for this babe at upcoming events.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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MUMBAI: ABCD — Any Body Can Dance is said to be India’s answer to globally successful dance dramas that have been capturing dance enthusiasts all over the world.

What’s interesting is that those international movies not only impressed with the quality of dance but also set the trend of dance music for the youth. Thus, with veteran choreographer Prabhudeva and musical duo Sachin-Jigar coming together for this project’s soundtrack, expectations are running high.

The album opens with a slightly western yet devotional track Shambhu Sutaya. Singers Shankar Mahadevan and Vishal Dadlani get together and create a track that is as eclectic as the singing duo. A jack-in-the-box opener, it makes listeners curious about other songs.

Bezubaan follows and the song is a roller coaster. It is not only a fresh dance track but also magically combines all the successful elements of a good track — lyrics, music and vocals. Sung by Mohit Suri, Tanvi Shah, Deane Sequeira and Priya Panchal, it is in harmonious sync with the video.

Psycho Re spells epic as soon as it starts. It is the coming together of the country’s stalwart choreographers — Prabhudeva, Saroj Khan and Ganesh Acharya.

Anushka Manchanda singing, Man Basiyo Saawariyo is something that is bound to get your attention. She is smooth as butter and the fusion track is so far the best one.

Up next is the conversational Chandu ki Girlfriend. It fails to spell anything memorable. Sung by Raman Mahadevan, Jigar Saraiya, Divya Pushkarna, Sagar Kendurkar and Madhav Krishna, it is slightly confusing and fails to hit a chord with the youth.

Duhai Hai makes you fall in love with it in the first few seconds. Sung by newcomer Madhav Krishna, the track drops low and jumps high and keeps your ears engaged. It’s a great song to dance on, hum and strum and just love it.

The Punjabi tadka of the album comes in the form of Sorry Sorry sung by Jigar Saraiya. Filled with beats and club-friendly tempo, the track may do well although it’s not too impressive.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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Pakistani actor Sara Loren says there were never any issues between her and Aditi Rao Hydari on the sets of their new film Murder 3. She admits that it just upped her challenge as an actor and made her work harder.

“I think when you are playing a certain character or role, you are more sincere towards it — more than anyone else around you. And if there is a good actor working with you, then you just end up putting in more effort,” Sara told IANS in an interview. “And that challenging situation is actually very good for everyone.”

“I am very happy that I worked with Aditi and now we are friends. We have been sharing a lot of food and stories,” she added.

Directed by Vishesh Bhatt, Murder 3 also stars Randeep Hooda and hits theatres February 15. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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At a point, he threatened to leave India if similar protests continued to surround his films then later realised he might have gone overboard. “In anger and in an emotional outburst I had said I would leave this country,” he confessed. “But yes, if this happens again, I will seriously leave. I was angry when I spoke earlier and I am still angry.”

The film’s Hindi version released February 1 across the country and raked in INR75.6 million in its opening weekend. “Salman [Khan] liked it immensely. He thinks it is of Hollywood standards. He liked everything about it,” said Hasaan.

The film has been written, produced and directed by Hasaan. Below is a gist of what happened over the weekend:

Saturday — Vishwaroopam edited

After talks with Muslim groups on Saturday, Hasaan revealed that he agreed to cut some scenes from Vishwaroopam — a film which has been described as controversial in India.

“I’ve arrived at consensus with my Muslim brothers. We’ve agreed to cut some scenes from the film which they found to be objectionable,” Hasaan said.

Following the talks in the presence of Tamil Nadu Home Secretary R Rajagopal, he agreed to edit seven scenes from his film.

Sunday — ban on Vishwaroopam lifted in Tamil Nadu

On Sunday, a day after Hasaan and Muslim organisations called a truce over the actor-film-maker’s film, the ban on the screening of the espionage thriller in Tamil Nadu was revoked.

“The two-week ban imposed by the district collector has been removed, paving way to a successful release of the film across Tamil Nadu,” a government source told IANS.

“We’ve also withdrawn our written petition and expect the same from the government,” Hasaan said.

Monday — announcement of film’s release date in Tamil Nadu

On Monday, a day after the two-week ban was revoked on the film, Hasaan announced that his film will hit theatres February 7.

“The film will release all over Tamil Nadu on Thursday, February 7,” said Kamal in a statement.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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“So many good and talented young directors, producers and writers are coming in. The kind of films that are being made today and the kind of cinema that the audience has been supporting, we could not hope for anything else,” said the actor.

“Whether it is Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola or Delhi Belly, if such kinds of films were being made 10 to 15 years ago, they wouldn’t have worked at the box office,” Imran told IANS in an interview.

In a short span of four years, Imran — the nephew of Bollywood actor Aamir Khan — has proven his mettle with impressive performances. He says an actor lives for audience appreciation and that is what he also looks forward to through all his projects.

“An actor always wants to do something different. We [actors] live only for the appreciation from the audience. This is what we want. We want that the audience likes and appreciates our work and we want them to remember every role we do,” Imran said.

“So yes, I want people to remember the roles that I do. But ultimately, success or failure is not in our hands. We don’t know what will happen with any film,” he added.

Imran made his Bollywood debut with 2008 film Jaane Tu…Ya Jaane Na. He was later seen in films like Kidnap, Luck, I Hate Luv Storys, Delhi Belly, Mere Brother Ki Dulhan and most recently in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola.

Imran admits he chooses to do only those films he thinks he can enjoy as an audience member.

“I just ask myself, ‘As an audience, would I watch such a film?’ If I get a positive feeling, I just get on to it,” said Imran, who will soon be seen in a prominent role in Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai 2.

Over the years, even the business dynamics of Bollywood have changed in a big way. Unlike earlier, when the success of a film was measured by its silver or golden jubilee run at the theatres, the fate of the film is now decided within the first three days of a movie’s release itself; Imran agrees with the notion.

“Twenty to 25 years ago, only 300 prints of a film used to be released. Today, even if you release a small film, it will release with 600 prints, and big films will release in 2,500 to 3,000 screens,” said Imran.

“Right now, it is not about time; it is about how many people see the film,” he added. 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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That’s what drives Khan, the passion for clothes and his fascination with colour. He recalls how, in his early years, his mother would ask him to accompany her during her Sunday Bazaar trips, instead of his seven other brothers. “I was always so fascinated with colours and combinations, that my mother always took me to the market to get good, colourful fabric whenever the festive season approached,” he says with a smile.

After graduating from the National College of Arts (NCA) with a degree in graphic design in 2001, Khan sold his thesis for Rs75,000 to a big textile firm, by doing a textile-inspired project for them. The following year, he opened his very first outlet Kuki Fuki with a friend at a rented space which was a designer club frequented by Lahoris. He called the place Kuki-Fuki. After realising that he can do so much more with his name and brand, he launched his own label, Kuki Concepts, on MM Alam Road. Thus, Khan went from a small designer to one that participates in fashion weeks and lawn exhibitions. From bridal couture and prêt wear to interior designing and furnishing, Khan does it all. “I don’t take orders for 500 bridal joras and then cry my heart out when I can’t complete these joras on time!” he exclaims, when asked how he juggles it all.

In 2012, he showcased at six events and received lots of appreciation from Karachi. So how does a Lahore-based designer succeed at events in Karachi to an extent that he participates at every Fashion Pakistan Week, but is never part of the famous PFDC? He says, “I am better friends with the Karachi crowd. I personally like the work and the simplicity of Maheen Khan, Rizwan Beyg’s couture, Faiza Samee’s colour palette, Bunto Apa’s striking bridal collection. The Karachi crowd and market has been appreciative from the very beginning, that’s why I am part of it.” The concept of two councils makes no sense to him, as he says, “At some point, I wish they’d become one. Why the division? I just want them to be one and work for the progress of the country on a single unified platform.”

Speaking about the hardships he has faced in his career, Khan says, “Establishing my name was really difficult — leg pulling, politics, setting up a factory and then these workers and tailors made my life very difficult as well at the beginning.” He is grateful that things have now become a lot more organised.

Kuki Concepts plans to go international with its designs — an outlet in London. Khan secretly hopes he could dress Madonna and Lady Gaga as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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“Music has become standardised in India over the years, which has resulted in vocalists suffering [from monotony],” says leading Indian music composer and film theorist Madan Gopal Singh. “Pakistani artists seem to have filled that void.” He explains the reason behind the rising interest in Pakistani musicians is due to the melodic uniqueness they possess; they represent a melodic transition which Singh feels Indian musicians have left behind.

He feels the sudden arrival of Pakistani artists has generated insecurities in the minds of local Indian musicians and what’s more important is that Bollywood no longer has a nationalistic impulse to cut Pakistanis off. Amongst the local musicians in India, Singh reveals it was Abhijeet, a renowned playback singer, who led the first chorus against Pakistani artists. He feels Abhijeet, who had become a spent force, was simply threatened by the tough competition.

“Local artists [Indian] in general, feel threatened by the new talent that is coming in and the reality is that this new talent is much more talented and a little more than just good,” Singh says about Pakistani artists.

Neutral grounds

Singh explains there are two factors that have allowed collaborations between the two nations — economics and technology. As far as political issues are concerned, he feels it’s a two-way street; there are conspiratorial mindsets on both sides of the border. And to deal with this, Dubai and London have become neutral spots where projects can be worked on.

“It’s theatre to be honest, how conspiracies have been churned out. And I am also aware that this goes both ways — Zaid Hamid in Pakistan can also be quite hysterical,” he says. “I don’t know how we are supposed to deal with the politics but I think the only option we have is to work together silently as these [Pakistani artists] are very popular people who have a huge following in India.”

While Pakistani artists had to fly to India initially to record music, technology has now evolved and numerous producers use video conferencing as a tool. “Studios are more sophisticated and equipped now, and technology has progressed to a point where people can use Skype to record music,” he continues. “Therefore, artists don’t even need to go anywhere to produce songs now.”

Meanwhile, a source close to Atif Aslam reveals that producers ask artists to record songs in either Dubai or Lahore. “We are told that Indian singers would obviously become apprehensive as their work is being taken by Pakistani singers; but the environment is becoming very competitive and it should be looked at from that angle,” the unnamed source continued, saying competition is healthy. Aslam remains indifferent to these local sentiments saying he is too focused on his work.

Music producer and cultural icon, Mian Yousuf Salahuddin, gave another perspective to the theory. He feels the main reason behind why Pakistani artists choose to go to Dubai or Lahore instead of India is because it’s more convenient. “While there are only a handful of people who make noise [about political issues], the tension will always be there regardless,” says Salahuddin. “Pakistani artists primarily record music in Pakistan or Dubai because it’s just easier for them.” He says Rahat recorded most of his songs in Lahore and if he had to go elsewhere, it would be Dubai.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

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WASHINGTON: Obese fathers make for unhealthy children, who could also be vulnerable to cancer, says a new research.

The study by Duke University Medical Centre is the first to show that paternal obesity may alter a genetic mechanism in the next generation, suggesting that a father’s lifestyle factors may be transmitted to his children.

“Understanding the risks of the current Western lifestyle on future generations is important,” said molecular biologist Adelheid Soubry, postdoctoral associate at the Duke Cancer Institute, who led the study, the journal BMC Medicine reports.

“The aim of this study was to determine potential associations between obesity in parents prior to conception and epigenetic profiles in offspring, particularly at certain gene regulatory regions,” said Soubry, according to a Duke statement.

Researchers looking at health outcomes in newborns have historically focused on pregnant women. Studies have shown that nutrition and environmental factors during pregnancy can affect children’s health and may raise their risk of chronic diseases. However, little has been done to uncover how paternal factors can affect children.

The Duke research team sought to determine associations between obesity in parents and changes in DNA methylation at the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) gene among offspring.

DNA methylation regulates the activity of certain genes, which can reflect a higher risk for some diseases. Decreased DNA methylation at the IGF2 gene has been tied to a greater risk of developing certain cancers, including colorectal and ovarian cancers.”Our genes are able to adapt to our environment. However, we adjust in a way that may be problematic later,” said Cathrine Hoyo, cancer epidemiologist at Duke Medicine and the study’s senior author.

“When Dr Shaikh saw me, she told me she could give me something that would fix everything.” The treatment that followed helped her not only with the skin pigmentation but, according to her, also her drug and smoking addictions and unremitting insomnia.

She was thus introduced to intravenous glutathione injections, the latest instalment in skin whitening procedures on offer at Karachi’s most popular skin clinics. While this practice gained popularity in the US and the Philippines in 2007, it came to Pakistan a little over a year and a half ago.

“My mission is to help patients battle pigmentation,” says Dr Shaikh who works at Dr Afzal Lodhi’s Clinic and is an advocate for this method. “After a few shots, I can see the skin of my patients lightening. Their dark spots fade away.”

She explains that the injections – which are a cocktail of glutathione, Vitamin C and collagen – start taking effect after a few sessions, with one being administered per visit. And if a patient wants a full-body change, IV or intravenous shots are given over a span of a few months. They range from between 10 and 20 depending on how light a patient wants their skin to become.

But Ahmed says her reason for taking these shots was not to lighten her skin. “I told Dr Shaikh that I don’t want to become ‘white’. She promised me that I wouldn’t but that it would help my body detox and also get rid of pigmentation and marks.” Ahmed is now into 10 sessions and her skin, in her own words, is “clear and glowing”. She also sleeps without needing medication and has stopped smoking cigarettes or hash. “My lips are back to being pink,” she declared.

The treatment is popular. “A considerable majority of patients interested in skin whitening formulae opts for glutathione injections – even men,” says Shaikh. She explains that they are sold by distributors within the range of Rs4,000 to Rs7,000, with cheaper varieties also available. “It is important to avoid very cheap brands that could cause harm,” she adds. “Going to the right practitioner and monitoring dosage is also vital.” Glutathione can be taken orally, but the best results are seen when it is given as an intravenous drip. Patients who do not want to attain overall fairness can opt for mesotherapy, in which the shots are administered to dark areas of the face. Mesotherapy only targets facial melanocyte [melanin-producing cells]; it will not affect other parts of the body.

Patients should know, however, that it is not permanent treatment, since even after the sessions are complete, patients may have to get maintenance shots every few months. “It’s transient therapy,” explains cosmetologist Dr Badr Dhanani, who also prescribes glutathione to his patients. “Nothing can make one permanently white. If there were such a thing, then the president of America would be white – it’s every dark person’s desire.”

While he says he does not “push” these shots and therapies on patients because he considers himself a conservative doctor, he will write a prescription if the patients want it. “It’s not a very clandestine procedure – with a prescription, you can go to any hospital and get it,” he adds.

While the US Food and Drug Administration confirmed to The Express Tribune that it has not approved glutathione injections for skin whitening, Dr Dhanani says there is nothing to be afraid of. “It works wonders for a few months. So far, the reports are in its favour, saying it is effective and good.”

*Patient and client names have been changed to protect privacy.

The need to be gora

“They may not speak about it at first, but it is every woman’s dream,” maintains Dr Naqiba Munshi of Element Medispa. “They all want to be fair.” Dr Munshi also offers glutathione injections at her clinic, but says that they are not given to everyone. “People equate fairness with beauty, and feel that they will get better marriage proposals if they have blemish-free, fair skin. They will do anything to have that and we want to control that obsession,” she says. According to her, the majority of patients who come for skin-whitening procedures are women, with some as young as 18 years old. Also, mothers are active in demanding the treatment for their daughters, as the perception is that a fairer complexion can result in a better future for them.

Glutathione – the mother of all anti-oxidants

Hailed by medical experts as the mother of all anti-oxidants, glutathione is a molecule that is naturally present in the human body. But due to poor diet, stress, trauma, medication and a host of other reasons, this life-giving molecule (pronounced “gloota-thigh-own”) is depleted and cannot be recycled if the toxic load in our blood stream is too high. Doctors say that the primary reason why this molecule is critical is because it recycles anti-oxidants which help protect our bodies against infections, cancer and toxins. Not only does this molecule act as a detoxifying agent, it also helps strengthen the body’s immune system and is important in fighting chronic illnesses.

In a report published in the Huffington Post, physician Mark Hyman, MD described glutathione as “the master detoxifier and maestro of the immune system”.

Who should not take this treatment

While most doctors say that controlled amounts of glutathione injections are not harmful, patients should disclose their medical history before getting a dose.

•  People with heart, liver and kidney conditions should not opt for glutathione shots as it could lead to complications such as kidney failure and sinus tachycardia.

•  Blood sugar levels must be monitored after the shot is administered, and the patient should avoid being in the sun for a few days.

•  High doses of glutathione given to patients with hypersensitive skin may result in the life-threatening Stevens Johnson syndrome.

•  Vitiligo patients should not receive glutathione injections for skin whitening.

•  Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should not opt for glutathione injections.

According to an AFP report published in 2011, the Food and Drug Association in the Philippines warned that repeated injections of the drug could lead to kidney failure, blood poisoning and toxic epidermal necrolysis, in which a large portion of the skin peels off, exposing the human body to many infections.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 6^th, 2013.

Famed Bollywood vocalist Sunidhi Chauhan might have exceptional talent with her vocals, but she really needs a stylist. That outfit is disastrous! We are not entirely sure who advised her to wear this outfit to the launch party of Krishika Lulla’s Enigma at JW Marriott, but it’s definitely not flattering.

The Charge Sheet

Hair

Although neat, Sunidhi’s hair looks totally flat. A blow-dry might have saved her from being a fashion disaster, but we can’t really blame her, especially when her ensemble looks like it was put together at the last-minute.

Outfit

We understand that harem pants are in, but that does not mean that you pair it with a badly-fitted shrug and a completely mismatched graphic tee. Those bones on the shirt are cool but somehow just don’t work when paired like this.

Makeup

Sunidhi’s washed-out face is probably her only saving grace. After the abominable getup, the minimal make-up with red lips and liner are refreshing. Those bushy brows, however, are disappointing and almost overshadow her neat eyeliner.

Accessories

It’s alright to keep it subtle some times; her outfit would have been too muddled had she worn more accessories. Her chunky hoop earrings are overshadowed by her untied (read: unexciting) locks. She probably tried making up for her subtlety by sporting a textured crimson handbag — wish she had decided to leave it at home!

Shoes

You better spare yourself the horror by keeping your eyes off her shoes. With those voluminous, multi-layered harem pants, she seems to be balancing her existence on those out-of-place, pointed pumps.

Jennifer Lopez

Singer Jennifer Lopez looks like a million dollars. She has paired harem pants with high-heeled boots.

Her sleeveless leather top complements her boots well, and she’s rocking the chunky bracelets and rings. Also, we’re totally in love with her nail polish.

Kimora Lee Simmons

American model Kimora Lee Simmons has the right answer for Sunidhi’s handbag and shoe disaster.

She sported this striking red handbag and worked up those pointed pumps, with her spectacular outfit.

Ciara

Singer Ciara wore grey harem pants with a black boyfriend blazer and fitted black tee with style.

Sunidhi could take a cue from the R&B sensation. She looks uber cool with that high pony-tail and red snake skin printed sash.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2013.

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Actor Robert De Niro held back tears in an interview with talk show host Katie Couric when talking about his new movie Silver Linings Playbook. Drawing comparisons between his character’s son in the movie and his own son, who suffers from mood fluctuations, De Niro became emotional as he attempted to explain how he could relate to the story.

When asked about his role in the film, the 69-year-old Oscar winner had to start, and stop. “I don’t like to get emotional,” De Niro said with his voice cracking, according to the huffingtonpost.com.

Director of the film David O Russell confirmed that De Niro had related deeply to the movie, telling Couric that he had witnessed a strong visceral reaction from the actor after he read the script. “I realised he was having an emotional reaction and I sat there and watched Robert De Niro cry for 10 minutes and said, ‘Wow he’s really connecting with this material and this would be beautiful thing if it could work out, because I think his heart would be there’ and it is there.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2013.

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Khan says, “It’s an amazing feeling to be a part of the Dabangg franchise and to be directing one of the biggest stars in the country.” He continues, “We have been cautiously and meticulously planning this film. And now that the film is ready for release, I hope the audience enjoys the film.”

Khan confirms that director Abhinav Kashyap who was supposed to direct the sequel, met up with him but decided to opt out of the project for personal reasons. “After a lot of deliberation as to who would be the right choice to direct the film, I came to the conclusion that since I’d been involved with Dabangg as a producer and actor since day one, it would be apt that I take over the project.”

“I was always nursing this silent ambition to turn director, so when this opportunity came my way I grabbed it with both hands.”

When talking about Salman’s character in the film Khan deliberated that “Dabangg 2 is a genuine sequel we are moving ahead with the character and taking the story forward.” The character of Chulbul Pandey remains the same but the situations he finds himself in are different. There are new conflicts and new challenges that he has to tackle, reports the Hindustan Times.

“Salman is a great actor and is only growing from strength to strength. He has done so many films in his career already and is now very comfortable with his own demeanor and body language,” Khan reiterates. “He’s got a great connect with the audience. He is a very contributing actor who always has some really good inputs and suggestions to offer for the betterment of the film,” he adds.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2013.

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