The Express Tribune Magazine - January 8

JANUARY 8-14 2012

The empty cradle Both men and women may experience the frustration of not being able to have a child — but it is mostly the women who bear the stigma of infertility

JANUARY 8-14 2011

Cover Story 18 The Empty Cradle The trials and tribulations of infertile couples

Style 27 Inside Bridal Week Sizzling models, backstage action, makeup tips and more

Feature 36 A Little Bit of Heaven There is nothing artificial about Sultana’s homemade ice cream

Positive Pakistani

27

38 Taking the Highway Meet a lady who won’t let a couple of bumps in the road slow her down

Regulars

36

6 People & Parties: Out and about with Pakistan’s beautiful people 40 Reviews: What’s new in films 42 Ten Things I Hate About: Shaadis

40

4

Magazine Editor: Zarrar Khuhro, Senior Sub-Editor: Batool Zehra, Sub-Editors: Ameer Hamza and Dilaira Mondegarian.

Creative Team: Amna Iqbal, Jamal Khurshid, Essa Malik, Anam Haleem, Tariq W Alvi, S Asif Ali, Sukayna Sadik.

Publisher: Bilal A Lakhani. Executive Editor: Muhammad Ziauddin. Editor: Kamal Siddiqi.

For feedback and submissions: magazine@tribune.com.pk

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Zong holds a New Year party in Karachi

Olita, Mr Sajid, Mr Fan, Nina and Mr Ali Kamran

Sehr and Naureen

Frieha and Iraj

Amna Ilyas, Xille and Uzma Ilyas

Mr and Mrs Aziz Memon

6 JANUARY 8-14 2012

Noban, Wardha and Tapu

Mr and Mrs Sarmad Sufian

Noore Bhatti and Ahsan

Amir Anees and Zhalay

Esna

Usman, M Usman and Tehmina

PHOTOS COURTESY CATALYST PR & MARKETING

Naureen Baig, Mr Makhdoom Shahabuddin, Dr Baig and Mr Manzoor Wassan

Ali and Mahira Khan

Mr and Mrs Naeem Zamidar

Mr and Mrs Intesar

Zurain Imam and Sadaf

Faryal Jumani

7 JANUARY 8-14 2012

JANUARY 8-14 2012

JANUARY 8-14 2012

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Ahsan Ijaz hosts Rev Up ceremony of Jhal Magsi Desert Rally in Lahore

Naheen and Fatima

Jia and Alina

Aneera and Maira Ayesha and Ali

Khadija, Mustafa, Saima and Maryam

10 JANUARY 8-14 2012

Amina

Daneese, Hooria and Maira

PHOTOS COURTESY BILAL MUKHTAR EVENTS & PR

Hamza, Shazreh and Taimoor

JANUARY 8-14 2012

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Zainab, Nadia and Mehr

Mahwish

Khadija and Laraib

Nida and Seher

Aliza and Ayesha

Sarah

12 JANUARY 8-14 2012

Zainab, Hajra and Rizwana

Sara and Ghalib

JANUARY 8-14 2012

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Atrium Cinema hosts the red carpet and premiere of the movie Don: The Chase continues in Karachi

Ayesha Khan along with guests

Nazia Malik with a friend

Mani and Hira with their son

Mohsin Sayeed Humayun Saeed and Zeba Shehnaz

Faakhir Mehmood

14 JANUARY 8-14 2012

Behroz Sabzwari

Rubina Ashraf

JANUARY 8-14 2012

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Waseem Noor exhibits his latest collection at Vogue Towers in Lahore

Madiha and Ayesha

Sadia and Sadaf

PHOTOS COURTESY BILAL MUKHTAR EVENTS & PR

Sahar and Nadia

Anum

Mariam and Hina

British Council visits colleges in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore

Sidra Iqbal and Ayesha Alam

16 JANUARY 8-14 2012

Badar Khushnood

Muneeb Nawaz

JANUARY 8-14 2012

COVER STORY

the empty cradle Both men and women may experience the frustration of not being able to have a child — but it is mostly the women who bear the stigma of infertility

BY MARIA WAQAR

18 JANUARY 8-14 2012

It’s a typical afternoon at the Australian Concept Infertility Medical Centre (ACIMC) in Clifton, Karachi, crowded with women draped in abayas and men with blank expressions. Going by the looks of the patients in the centre’s waiting lounge, it’s hard to tell that behind their respective veils, many of them are concealing signs of turmoil.

But in the privacy of the doctor’s office, their repressed an-

guish often gives way to emotional outbursts.

“Many infertility patients are under serious mental strain.

Women often start weeping during consultation,” says Dr Syed

“Doctors have often told me that stress disturbs my hormones and hence prevents my pregnancy,” says Mahnum. “But how can I curb my anxiety when there’s so much pressure?”

Sajjad Hussain, the CEO of ACIMC in Karachi, in a matter-of-fact

tone. “We try to comfort them, but as doctors we also need to be realistic and professional with them.”

Infertility — medically defined as the inability of a couple to

conceive within 12 months of unprotected sex — affects nearly 1

out of 5 couples of childbearing age. However, this biological condition has grave ramifications for couples in our society, where

producing children is arguably considered the most important

function of marriage. The failure to produce children is considered a social taboo, and it is generally the woman who gets a disproportionate share of the blame.

Mahnum*, who has been married for four years and lives in

the UK with her husband, has been diagnosed with polycystic

ovarian syndrome, a hormonal disorder which affects one out of five women and is the leading cause of sub-fertility in women.

“I dread coming to Pakistan because of questions about the

‘missing’ baby,” she says wryly. “Distant relatives and even strangers come to me at get-togethers and wistfully declare that children are the light of one’s life, just to taunt me.”

The social pressure to have a child has entangled Mahnum in

the life-threatening disease after a bone marrow transplant and heavy chemotherapy.

“Even though doctors could not pinpoint a cause for my cancer,

I blame all the hormones injected into my body since I don’t have a family history of cancer at all,” she asserts adamantly.

“There is a mild risk of cancer if hormones are used repeatedly

over a long period of time, but one or two IVF cycles will not increase the risk,” says embryologist Sara Tanwir Ahmed.

The link between IVF treatments and an increased risk of can-

cer is a subject of heated debate in the field of medicine, but despite extensive research, there are still no clear answers.

Many couples who don’t opt for fertility treatments, or for

a vicious cycle: her inability to conceive means that she is bom-

whom such treatments are ineffective, ultimately adopt chil-

out, and that in turn interferes with her ability to conceive.

can’t have children are often still plagued by the insecurity that

barded with prying questions from relatives, which stresses her “Doctors have often told me that stress disturbs my hormones

and hence prevents my pregnancy,” she explains. “But how can I curb my anxiety when there’s so much pressure?”

Many infertile couples then pin their hopes on fertility treat-

ments — a popular one being in vitro fertilisation (IVF) — but

dren like Mehrunnisa eventually did. However, women who their husbands will remarry to have children who are ‘of their own blood’.

For those on the verge of losing their husbands this way, des-

perate times call for desperate measures.

More than a decade ago, Yasmeen*, a woman in her late 30s,

their success rate varies between 35 and 50 per cent at best.

brought a strikingly beautiful teenage girl to see Dr Neelofer

Lahore-based Mehrunissa*. “Since, my in-laws had great expec-

examination.

“I went through IVF twice and it was highly stressful,” says

tations from the treatment, I thought that I would let everyone

Leghari, a leading gynecologist based in Lahore, for a medical Yasmeen was very upset that the 17-year-old girl had not con-

down if it did not work out.”

ceived even after two months of regular, unprotected sex.

a third time because she was wary of having more hormones in-

iously.

from within the family.

girl, out tumbled an infertile housewife’s scheme gone awry.

was diagnosed with leukemia. However, she miraculously beat

agreement with her parents that her husband would temporar-

IVF failed to bear fruit for her, but she refused to go through it

jected in her body. Instead, she and her husband adopted a child Many years after she had the ineffectual IVF procedures, she

“I really want her to get pregnant, somehow,” she blurted anx-

When Dr Leghari asked her how Yasmeen was related to the “Yasmeen had ‘bought’ the girl from an Afghan camp after an

JANUARY 8-14 2012

19

COVER STORY ily marry and impregnate her,” recounts the doctor. “Her plan

— fully endorsed by her husband and the girl’s family — was to keep the baby and then send the girl back to the camp after getting her divorced.”

She had told her in-laws that the Afghan girl was a maid at

their house, but every night Yasmeen secretly coaxed her to have sex with her own husband. But two months into her own plan, the barren woman had grown jealous and lost patience.

This is clearly an atypical case. However, it is a good indicator

of how infertility takes an emotional toll on women in a society where marital security is often tied to a woman’s ability to have children.

Dr Leghari has also witnessed other cases of women organising

‘temporary marriages’ for their husbands with girls from lower income groups.

For barren women, she says, the imperative of sav-

ing their marriage in the long-term is often the most important motive for producing children.

But a second marriage, or even these ‘tem-

porary’ marriages, is hardly a guarantee for producing children. In approximately 50 per cent of infertility cases, the male is the sole or the contributing factor.

However, ignorance about this

fact is quite widespread, confirms Dr Hussain.

“I have witnessed the same

man bring his four wives for fertility treatment, even though the problem is actually in him,” he says.

A man’s inability to pro-

duce children implies a lack of virility and to be labelled a namard in surely damning for

men. But, in our patriarchal

society, it is easy to shift the blame on to the woman.

“Many men refuse to get test-

ed,” says Dr Hussain, “while oth-

ers reject their semen analysis re-

ports because they just aren’t ready

to believe that something is wrong with them.”

And ironically, women themselves are

complicit in spreading the notion that the bur-

den of infertility should be borne solely by them.

Jamal Mahar, a student of Aga Khan University (AKU),

20

witnessed this while at the department of gynecology and obstetrics at AKU hospital.

JANUARY 8-14 2012

“When doctors would tell women to bring their husbands for

testing, their mothers-in-law, who were accompanying them, would openly refuse and say that they believed their sons had no problem,” he says.

Junior consultant Lubna Durrani at Atia General Hospital is no

stranger to men’s reluctance in dealing with their failure to produce children.

On a busy Saturday afternoon, the spry doctor counsels a cou-

ple on IVF in a modest room at the Sindh Institute of Reproductive Medicine in Atia General Hospital. Adjacent to the consultation room is the waiting area which is chock-full of patients.

“Many men request us not to tell their wives of their condition

while they undergo treatment,” she explains, as she sits to catch a moment’s breath after the couple exits.

Sitting right across the doctor is Azeen*, who is engrossed in

an intense discussion with another medical consultant. She

clutches a file containing a record of medical tests in her hands — but that record is neither hers nor her husband’s. It is in fact

her brother’s, who is suffering from azoospermia — the lack or absence of sperm in a man’s semen.

“My brother’s in Bahrain. He doesn’t want his wife to

know about his condition, so I am here to consult the doc-

tor regarding his medical tests,” says Azeen. “He will come to Karachi for his treatment soon.”

The woman’s sister-in-law remains in the dark

about her husband’s biological shortcoming. She’s been vaguely told by hospital authorities that due to

‘certain problems’, she and her husband can only have a child through IVF treatment.

Azeen adds quietly, “Actually my brother is

married to our first cousin. He’s afraid that if his wife finds out about his condition, she will

make a big issue and let everyone in the family know.”

According to Islamic law, a woman has the

right to divorce her husband if his infertility is

the sole obstruction in childbearing. But, un-

like men, who are ready to remarry if their wife

is infertile, women are less likely to abandon their

sterile husbands. In fact, many women sympathise

with their husbands and emotionally support them

after finding out about their physical shortcoming, if

testimonies of medical experts are to be believed.

“My experience shows that women become very caring

and sympathetic towards their husbands when they find out

about their biological predicament,” explains Dr Sajjad.

And in the jam-packed waiting rooms of fertility clinics, one

will find many women who are keen to support their husbands through this ordeal. Twenty-four-year-old Kiran is one such

woman, with a soft corner for her barren spouse. She waits paJANUARY 8-14 2012

21

JANUARY 8-14 2012

JANUARY 8-14 2012

COVER STORY tiently in ACIMC ‘s waiting lounge, as her partner sees the clinic’s urologist.

“I have had numerous tests but all of them were clear; the real

problem is actually with my husband,” she explains compassionately. “I often accompany him to the centre, so that nobody finds out that he’s actually the one with the issue.”

But the tone of her voice suddenly changes, as she sarcastically

blurts out, “And it’s really no use telling his family the truth. It’s not like his mother is ever going to believe that there’s anything wrong with her son!”

There’s a clear gender imbalance in the implications that infer-

tility has for men and women. But there are people who say that education and class make a marked difference in this regard.

Nabat*, who has been married for the past seven years, found

out that her husband had azoospermia six months into her marriage.

“He has absolutely no hang-ups in acknowledging his condi-

tion and discussing it with family members. My husband comes from an educated family of doctors and thus has full knowledge of what he is going through,” she says.

She continues with a sympathetic smile, “He is very loving and

has often told me that I am free to divorce him and remarry if I want kids.”

Nabat’s spouse Fareed* has no qualms in acknowledg-

ing his condition.

“I have openly discussed my condition with my sis-

ter, who’s a doctor in the US, and my mother. What’s

the problem in doing that?” he says in a matter-of-fact manner.

There are also others, like Lahore-based urologist Dr

Ramzan Chaudhry, who claim that educated men from urban areas willingly go through testing, and actively seek treatments for infertility.

“Times are changing now. I have worked for 30

years in the field and young men of today do not

24 JANUARY 8-14 2012

typically resist fertility tests,” he says.

They may have recourse to the latest fertility treatments,

but the uncertainty that accompanies such procedures is

excruciating for the couples waiting in queues at crowded infertility clinics, caught between hope and despair.

As Kiran says with a sad smile, “It’s God’s will, after all

— He is the one who decides when to gift a couple with a child.”

a

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.

MYTH BUSTER Sara Tanwir Ahmed, senior embryologist at the Tanwir Ahmed Medical Centre in Lahore, busts the most common myths about infertility.

Myth: Infertility is caused by stress

Infertility, defined as the diminished ability to conceive a child,

likely to consider stress as a causal factor. Stress can potential-

is a global phenomenon that affects more than 160 million peo-

ple worldwide. In Pakistan, according to recent estimates, the incidence of infertility is an astounding 22%.

Due to the complex nature of infertility, its prevalence has

given rise to many myths. These myths are quite common in a

Fact: In very few cases, doctors may be unable to identify a physical/biological reason for infertility. In these instances, they are

ly wreak havoc on hormones — particularly reproductive hormones. However, physical factors — blocked tubes fibroids, low

sperm count and motility — have a stronger link with infertility compared to merely stress.

based on socio-cultural customs and beliefs.

Myth: If you have had children previously, you won’t suffer from infertility later on

Myth: Infertility only occurs in women

refers to the difficulties that previously fertile couples have in

country like Pakistan, where people have preconceived notions

Fact: Since the process of conception involves a man and a wom-

an, both genders can be equally responsible for infertility. In fact, the male is responsible for 40 per cent of all cases of infertil-

ity; the female is responsible for 40 per cent of the cases, while the cause of the remaining 20 per cent cannot be explained.

The primary cause of infertility in men is disorders pertaining

to sperm count and motility. Olligiospermia, astheozoospermia

Fact: There is a concept known as ‘secondary infertility’, which conception. There are various reasons for secondary infertility, such as irregular ovulation in women, reduced concentration of sperm in men or other hormonal changes that affect both

men and women. Thus, there is absolutely no guarantee that

just because you have successfully had children, you’ll continue procreating in the future.

and azoospermia are the most prevalent disorders of sperm count

Myth: The only successful treatment for infertility is surgery

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder re-

However, newer developments within this field have given rise

and motility.

Fact: Conventional fertility treatment includes drugs or surgery.

sponsible for infertility in women. Although polycystic ovaries

to a number of solutions collectively called ‘assisted reproductive

produce multiple eggs every month, they are not the right size

for ovulation because of hormonal imbalance, diets and insulin resistance. Other causes of infertility are tubule blockage, fibroids and cysts.

Myth: Fertility problems only begin after a certain age Fact: Young and healthy individuals can be infertile too. Many

people are born with fertility-hampering disorders, while others experience viral infections at a young age, like mumps and typhoid that affect their sperm count and motility.

However, fertility-related treatments have a higher chance of

success when the patient is younger. For example, a female is born with all her eggs and as she ages, her eggs also age with her.

Thus, the success of invitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment falls by half when the patient turns 35.

Myth: Only individuals with unhealthy lifestyles experience infertility Fact: While having a healthy body and mind has its advantages

when it comes to conception, this does not necessarily mean that healthy people are not infertile. The truth is that even healthy people who have regulated, balanced lifestyles can suffer from infertility.

technology’. These include insemination

(IUI)

or

treatments like intrauterine

in which is a small tube washed

sperm

Another popular

directly

Intra uterine inseminate,

is used to place specially into the uterus.

IVF which entails the

egg cells by sperm outside

process involves hormonally

the ovulatory process, removing from the woman’s ovaries and

treatment is

fertilisation of

the body. The

manipulating

the ova (eggs)

letting sperm fertilise them in a

fluid medium. The fertilised egg

is then transferred to the patient’s uterus.

Moreover, Intra cytoplasmic sperm

injection (ICSI) is a revolutionary

procedure through which men with low sperm count and motility can produce

children. In this procedure, the sperm is

directly injected inside the egg cells and once fertilisation takes place the embryos are transferred inside the woman’s body.

JANUARY 8-14 2012

25

27 JANUARY 8-14 2012

28

29 JANUARY 8-14 2012

30

31

32

FEATURE

a little bit of

heaven Fast forward 60 something years and I expect myself bundled up in a corner of my house, bedridden or, at the very least, chair-ridden, complaining about aching joints and how my grandchildren don’t visit anymore. But a little meeting with Sultana Anwar Ali, a spry 83-year-old, who spends her days running around a garden and making ice cream, was enough to give me a new perspective. Sultana is an ice cream maker, a florist and

52 36

a gardener all in one. She discovered her passion for garden-

ing after she started arranging flowers at home back in 1958.

JANUARY 8-14 2012

Sultana’s ice cream adventure turns into a family venture

BY SUMAIYA LAKHANI

And, even over 35 years later, her passion remains undimmed.

We stroll through her garden, and she points out the different

types of flowers that grow beside the rows of fruits and vegeta-

bles. As she lists the numerous flowers she has seen or grown over the years — heliconias, amaryllis, orchids, lilies, poppies,

daisies — it’s clear that her memory is just as sharp as it was

when she was younger.

Sultana does not let her age prevent her from what she loves to

do, refusing even to comply with her doctor’s instructions to give

up gardening because of her health. She stubbornly kept asking

her doctor for an alternative. Finally, he had to concede and she

“When I die, I’ll ask God to give me a small area in jannah where I can continue gardening,” Sultana exclaims. was allowed to continue gardening as long as she didn’t bend too

ice cream-maker made out of wood. It took a few months to find

den, reuniting Sultana with her precious plants. Her daughter,

by Sultana and her son Altaf Hussain, is very different from others

low. A stool and a table are now permanent fixtures in the gar-

Fizza, eventually developed an inclination for flower arrangement as well and took over that area, leaving Sultana with more time to spend in her garden. “I can’t live without my gardening.

When I die, I’ll ask God to give me a small area in jannah where

I can continue with it,” Sultana exclaims. “My garden is just a

little bit of heaven,” she says while staring wistfully at the anthuriums in front of her.

Sultana feels that most people look at gardening as a chore,

the perfect one and thus Sweet Tooth was born. The business, run as it utilises fresh fruits and shuns artificial flavouring.

The mother and son are extremely particular about what goes

into the ice cream, using only fresh milk, fresh cream and of

course, fresh fruits. “We don’t make coffee, chocolate or vanilla ice cream because they’re artificial … and we don’t do artificial.”

Altaf explains proudly.

A pomegranate tree growing in the garden is the source of the

pomegranate used in the ice cream which I was served. The ex-

a menial task meant for gardeners or else a distraction for the

plosion of fruit in each scoop is heavenly and the range of fla-

elderly end up coming to flower shows and fears that this might

season and you’ll find a bowl of ice cream with that fruit sitting

elderly. She says that this is evident from the fact that only the

lead to an end to the art of flower arrangement and horticulture.

She hopes that others can discover the joy of gardening, just as she has.

Sultana’s garden serves a purpose other than to keep her busy.

The fruits that grow there are used to make homemade ice cream

for her latest venture, a home business by the name of Sweet Tooth.

vours is nothing short of amazing. You name the fruit of the

in front of you, asking to be eaten … melon, strawberry, chikoo,

mango, pomegranate and even plum! The duo has recently added

a new variety to their ice-cream menu: sorbet. The new range is just as amazing … ranging from grapefruit to pomegranate and

kumquat.

As I picked out a shaitoot from a nearby bush and popped it

Why ice cream, I ask? “It was the only way to get my kids to

into my mouth, I wondered what it would be like to have a gar-

children grew up, Sultana stopped making ice cream and devoted

idea made me resolve to attend the next flower show in the city

take in some milk!” Sultana explains with a smile. But after the

most of her time to her garden. Recently, while eating the usual “bazaar ki ice cream”, Sultana exclaimed that she had had enough

of this fake ice cream and decided to return to making her own.

The first thing she had to do was to find a sancha, a hand operated

den of my own with fresh flowers and fruits always close by. The — I just hope I don’t wait till I’m 83 to do it!

a

For all those who want to try out Sweet Tooth’s ice cream or want a fresh flower arrangement, feel free to call at 03362825464

37 Sultana’s ice cream business utilises fruit from her garden and shuns artificial flavouring.

JANUARY 8-14 2012

POSITIVE PAKISTANI PEOPLE

taking the

highway Kubra redefines social roles by paving a unique path for herself

BY RAHAT KAMAL

“Hey, look ­— an aunty is driving a van!” This is what a young boy hollers as he calls his friends to see the unfamiliar sight in front of him. Dressed elegantly with a pink dupatta draped over her head, the lady behind the wheel of the Suzuki van turns to the children with a broad grin on her face and amusement sparkling in her eyes. This is when the boy realises how loudly he had expressed his amazement and makes a few failed attempts not to gawk at her.

38 JANUARY 8-14 2012

“A helping hand can go away as soon as it came, and then you are left worse off than before,” says Kubra.

He isn’t the only one to have reacted in this fashion, and peo-

In her favour, the parents of young children felt much more

ple ranging from parents to bus drivers have been astounded

comfortable sending their little ones under the supervision of an

2007, she says that she and her van have elicited this reaction

just one passenger, a girl from her neighbourhood, and gradu-

upon seeing Mrs Kubra Amjad drive her school van. Driving since

many a times. “Once a group of youngsters were driving past my

van, they stopped in the middle of the road, got out of their car

educated lady rather than regular drivers. She started off with ally the number rose to 25.

When she shared this new business proposition with her fam-

and gave me a thumbs up, saying, ‘Way to go aunty! Keep it up!’

ily, they discouraged her, saying she should either accept their

In a city where regular lady drivers are apprehensive about

neither lady-like nor socially acceptable. Giggling at the memo-

That was a really proud moment for me,” she says with a smile.

getting behind the wheel, she has the nerve to take it up as a profession. Along with the confidence that is required to drive

a van on Karachi’s chaotic streets, she explains that the occupation requires adherence to strict punctuality, some dexterous

manoeuvring and, of course, the ability to take responsibility for

financial help or else take up teaching since driving a van was

ry, she relates what she told them: “For a halal income, even if

I have to become a vegetable vendor, I will do it. I know there’s

nothing wrong in what I am doing and being around the kids gives me immense joy.”

Despite the cynicism of those around her, she says this profes-

the children.

sion didn’t really present any serious challenge. Of course, she

was young, but a line of work that she chose when other avenues

massive amount of appreciation from the parents of the children

This wasn’t something she had contemplated doing when she

had closed. With a husband who had a promising career in direction, production and designing, and who would take up projects

for various television channels and multinational companies, Kubra had led a comfortable life. She used to enjoy helping her husband in his projects and, at times, would drive his van and

transport supplies. “I used to say, ‘Why should you pay someone

faced her set of difficulties, but at the same time she received a

she picks and drops. Speaking of her difficulties, she mentions

a certain van driver who couldn’t accept her in this line of work, and was always picking fights and trying to get her children to leave her van. But the support she got from others encouraged her to carry on.

“There have been times when a parent has said harsh words to

else to drive the van for you, when I can easily do it’,” she recalls.

me and it does hurt a lot, especially if I am not at fault. But that’s

tribution to the household finances, until her husband died of

extremely grateful when the traffic police, whom everyone in

Her life was smooth sailing, even without her making any con-

a sudden heart attack. Her life changed dramatically after that.

Widowed and without much money, she had to struggle to support herself.

a part of my job,” she adds, consoling herself. Moreover, she feels Karachi seems to complain about, greet her and respect her by going out of their way to help her if the need arises.

If there’s one thing Kubra is clear about, it’s that women

Initially, her family came to her aid and took her in. She ac-

should try to earn their own income no matter how meagre it

mishap that had befallen her. When she was emotionally stable

tity, and be self-reliant. Whether it is a job or a business, choose

cepted their support till the time she came to terms with the

enough to take charge of things, she decided she would go back home and fend for herself. Her family tried to persuade her not to

leave and live alone, offering to take care of everything. But she

insisted that she had to find her own way to make ends meet. “I

may be. “Plan wisely, utilise your skills to mould your own idenone that gives you respect and happiness. You might not be encouraged by others in the beginning, but if you stay resolute, you will eventually earn acceptance,” she advises.

“A helping hand can go away as soon as it came, and then you

am very blessed to have such a wonderful family, but that was

are left worse off than before,” she says. With a steady hand on

and become a burden on anyone,” she explains.

which road she wants to be on, and isn’t afraid of a few bumps

not the life I wanted for myself. I didn’t want to lose my identity

Although trained as an Association Montessori Internationale

teacher, she couldn’t pursue her line of work due to her chronic

the steering wheel, it’s clear that Kubra is one lady who knows in the way.

a

back problem which wouldn’t allow her to stand for too long. In-

If you know of any people who have achieved something positive, either

ing for herself, by driving students to school.

tribune.com.pk and help us share their story with the world.

stead, she thought about using her van to earn a respectable liv-

for themselves or for those around them, please mail us at magazine@ JANUARY 8-14 2012

39

REVIEW

cruise control

BY NOMAN ANSARI

With Ghost Protocol, director Brad Bird has in a sense achieved a filmmaker’s mission impossible, by making the fourth film in a movie franchise feel fairly fresh and quite watchable. This is no mean achievement especially considering that this is Bird’s first live-action film, as all of his previous works were animated films like Ratatouille (2007) and The Incredibles (2004).

It is perhaps due to his inexperience in working with human actors, that Ghost Protocol’s, characters lack the necessary emotional impact, even though it excels in other areas. In fact — and I can’t believe I am saying this — for inspiration, Bird had to only look back as far as Fast Five (2011), an action film which created actual emotional stake for its characters.

The ‘framed spy out to clear his name’ plot of the film, similar to the Jason Bourne series, feels tired and isn’t particularly noteworthy here.

Fortunately, the cast of the film, including Tom Cruise (framed team leader Ethan hunt), Jeremy Renner (William Brandt, the agent with a secret), the lovely Paula Patton (vengeance seeking agent Jane Carter) and the always amusing Simon Pegg (inexperienced field operative Benji Dunn) do provide strong performances. However, regrettably, not

all of the acting is top notch: Anil Kapoor (Brij Nath), overdoes his comic role as a rich and seductive playboy, and comes across more as a rapist than a provocative ladies man.

Having said that, Ghost Protocol, is a very slick looking and highly energetic film, which features some compelling action sequences, including a brilliant vertigo inducing climb by Tom Crusie (who is said to have performed his own stunts), on one of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The movie also features the signature facemasks, sleek futuristic cars and hi-tech gadgets, all of which have now become staples of the franchise, making Ghost Protocol a visually stimulating thrill.

Ghost Protocol is a throwaway film, quite similar to the cool disposable facemasks, a highly efficient technical marvel but still limited to one-use at best.

making a killing

BY RAFAY MAHMOOD

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Don 2 has finally hit cinemas across the globe and is well on its way to blockbuster status.

The high octane action thriller stars Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Om Puri, Kunal Kapoor, Lara Dutta and Boman Irani. The film picks up right after the ending of the first film in Malaysia and moves to Europe where Don, now the indisputable king of the Asian underworld, aims to take over the European drug cartel.

Don 2 was made to be watched on the big screen and watching it in 3D just enhances the experience. Priyanka Chopra pulls of her role with aplomb and seems to be the perfect choice for an action heroine, unlike Aishwariya Rai in The Last Legion. As you watch her effortlessly beat up some thugs in the movie, you come to the realisation that she may be the first proper female action hero in Bollywood. I wouldn’t be surprised if her next venture is as the next Lara Croft or the fourth Charlie’s Angel.

The film is not without its faults — Shahrukh Khan’s critics might find his acting similar to what he did in Josh but he actually manages to infuse a raw viciousness into to the character that was sorely missing in the previous movie. While his action choreography wasn’t as 40 good as Chopra’s, his phenomenal one-liners really remind the viewer JANUARY 8-14 2012

that the Don is not someone you want to mess with.

While the film is held back by its confusing plot and its unsatisfying ending, Lara Dutta’s classy dance number alone makes it a must watch. The beautifully edited chase sequences, outstanding cinematography and fight scenes more than make up for the shortcomings of the movie.

While some might attribute the popularity of the movie to the SRK factor and the Don brand name, the reality is that Don 2 is a visual masterpiece and sets a very high benchmark for future Indian action films. It proves that Bollywood has what it takes to go beyond half hearted action flicks like Dhoom and Prince to name a few. I am sure that after the success of the movie, the character of Don will be elevated to cult status in Indian pop culture, a benchmark that superhero films like Krish failed to achieve. a

THE HATER

10 things I hate about

1 2 3 4 5 42

…shaadis

BY SABA KHALID

The audience. Call me a prude but I find the whole

idea of cheeky chachas sitting in the audience while other perverted phuphas stare and clap as the bhateeji shakes her booty to ‘Sheila ki Jawani’ very disturbing.

6 7 8 9 10

The gift-pain-food equation. No matter how great the food is and how much you eat, throw away, feed the

shaadi cat or secretly pack for your dog at home, it still does not equal the amount of pain you experienced and

the money spent on clothes, jewellery, shoes, blowdries, churian, yada yada, yada.

The impromptu dances. There’s always some horrendously sweaty, overweight and excited mami who can-

not restrain herself and suddenly launches into this embarrassing solo on Gujrallay while her husband and kids look away and pretend they don’t know her at all.

Turning the mehndi into an ‘80s wannabe club with a DJ, disco ball and wooden dance floors. Trust me, it does not make you an iota cooler!

The fake criers. There’s always that one person who

barely knows the bride or groom but will start emptying her tear ducts even before the nikkah and hug everyone she can in the process.

No matter what you say to the couple on the rukhsati, it just sounds wrong on every level. Phrases to avoid: “Good Luck!”, “I hope all your wishes come true”, “May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine.”

The dupattas on men. I just don’t get how the bhangra cannot be done without the neon yellow duppattas

hanging? Why do men suddenly chuck all their masculinity for one night and willingly drape these duppattas? Trust me, none of you look cute with those!

The wastage of money. Don’t couples realise that the

money they are spending on stupid things like exotic

flowers, grand stages and gift boxes for five hundred people that they barely know could’ve easily been used

on their own honeymoons? Think about it, wouldn’t you rather invest on a romantic honeymoon to Paris than spend thousands on a single night?

The movie walla. The man has an uncanny ability to

always be there when you trip face-forward in your floor-length gharara or drip some salan on your chin.

Please know that if he’s flashing you with blinding lights, you have officially made it into the bride and groom’s forever treasured and forever watched by thousands of generations to come montage.

JANUARY 8-14 2012

Pakistani brides. Especially up close. Aren’t they all monstrosities? All un-married makeup wallis take their re-

venge by pulling the baichari dulhan’s hair back, making her already overdone eyes pop out. Add to that a gharara she can barely walk in and jewellery that weighs more

than she does and you have a dulhan who will give the bride of Frankenstein a run for her money. a