Ms MARCH 23, 2014
ISSUE NO. 92
Paint the Town Red
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Plastic Surgery in the media
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inside list —
Seven foods to soothe your mood
domestic goddess — Baklava is back!
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Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi
Our very own Hritik Roshan
2 Ms
the buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
Ms T uncovers the world of plastic surgery and why we might be doing it for all the wrong reasons by Tehmina Khan It is a biological fact that after the age of 35, our bodies undergo some harsh changes that can take a toll on one’s self esteem. The appearance of fine lines on the face, loose skin and pigmentation are all early signs of aging one can expect to see soon after crossing the 30 year milestone and while there a number of products that can be used to counter it, their effects are never permanent and almost always accompanied by some kind of side-effects. But how important is it to look five years younger than one’s actual age and remain the centre of attention, even after 40? And what can one do to achieve their desired appearance when all drugs and diets have failed? They can resort to cosmetic surgery. Although most patients would sooner die than admit to it, the number of Pakistanis willing to go under the knife to fix, enhance or simply maintain their physical attributes has risen exponentially over the past few years. There was a time when plastic surgery was associated primarily with the restoration of disfigurements resulting
You never know when your friends might spot you on Facebook so it’s good to be looking your best all the time. And that, for some people, includes surgery
from trauma or congenital anomalies. The purpose was to make them less apparent or less unsightly and give the patient a chance at a normal life. Plastic surgery in today’s world has become the one-stop answer to everything from thin lips, protruding chins, love handles to asymmetrical ears and anything else that can be wrong with a body. Not satisfied with something? Don’t worry. You are just a surgery away from an improved version of it. That is not to say that plastic surgery does nothing but fuel vanity. Technological advancements which can reverse birth defects and heal even the worst of burns lend credence to the miraculous benefits of such procedures. The efforts of local surgeons and the extensive range of procedures they now offer must be acknowledged. They have made what was once impossible in Pakistan much more convenient and somewhat painless. And keeping in mind the numerous complications that may arise during any surgical operation and the recovery period that follows, one must also commend the men and women brave enough to go through with it. The problem with the plastic surgery culture isn’t the actual surgery itself but why we have started to feel the need for it. Television Media: “One of the main reasons why people seek cosmetic surgery is today’s media and this celebrity culture that we are surrounded by,” says 23-year-old journalist Ayesha Sami*. “People — especially youngsters — live vicariously through their celebrity idols. We see our favourite actress get a lip enhancement done and another looking great with a brand new nose and wish to do so ourselves. People always want to emulate the looks and lifestyles of the rich and famous and surgery is just one part of it.” As the seemingly omnipresent media continues to expand further, plastic surgery is fast becoming an acceptable topic of discussion here in Pakistan as more and more celebrities are now endorsing it. Some have also launched their own surgical products and clinics where customers can benefit from all that the field has to offer. Most recently, a prominent fashion model made an appearance at a morning show to
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
administer Botox and derma-filler procedures before a live audience herself! The same model also runs her own beauty clinic which offers a complete range of services including the traditional hair and makeup along with Botox injections, dermabrasion, lip augmentation and other procedures, etc. “Since surgery is evidently not a taboo anymore, why not do it?” adds Ayesha. The explosion of television shows like Dr. 90210, Extreme Makeover and Nip/Tuck , which depict regular people undergoing cosmetic surgery, make the surgical processes appear ‘okay’ and easier than they actually are, thereby tugging at the emotions of the average self-conscious viewer and calling them towards surgery. It can be argued that the media inadvertently promotes cosmetic surgery further by reinforcing beauty ideals that the average person is not born with but wants to fulfil. Terms like ‘size zero’ and ‘fair and lovely’ are part of regular fashion jargon and lead to inferiority complexes which encourage people to resort to cosmetic enhancement for the features they desire. The example of 25-year-old Natasha Khan* serves as good example of the extents to which people are willing to go to look better. “I had always wanted to be thin and had tried just about everything from diets to exercise and pills but nothing ever worked,” she shares. “One day, my mom and I visited a doctor who
in media and not touch upon the effects of social media, namely networking websites like Facebook and Instagram where users upload pictures for the world to see. Social media is all about seeing and being seen which fuels our vanity. There have been documented results of how scanning others’ social pages can perpetrate envy and even self-loathing in a person. In much the same way, people are now requesting medical procedures as a result of how they want to be seen online. “You never know when your friends might spot you on Facebook so it’s good to be looking your best all the time. And that, for some people, includes surgery,” says 39-year-old mother of two, Zainab Mohsin*. The fact of the matter is that people become influenced by the images they view most often which in the past used to be mostly celebrities but now includes their friends, co-workers and peers as well. Constant reminders of good looks and appearance can raise the desire to correct physical flaws via surgery. Technology: The advancement of technology has only spurred the acceptance of cosmetic medicine and made the medical procedures all the more accessesible. One injection of Botox, for example, can be bought for just Rs 16,000 and is
People — especially youngsters — live vicariously through their celebrity idols. We see our favourite actress get a lip enhancement done and another looking great with a brand new nose and wish to do so ourselves introduced us to the concept of ‘Sleeve Gastrectomy’ and instantly, I said yes. Since then, I have lost almost 30 lbs and feel happy every time I look into a mirror.” Botox and facial enhancement procedures are just some of the less invasive services on offer. Liposuctions, breast augmentations, rhinoplasty, nose corrections, facial rejuvenation, transplants, face, arm and ear lifts and other invasive surgeries are other common procedures available at clinics found in ‘posh’ residential areas. Although a large part of our population still considers cosmetic surgery to be unorthodox and unnatural, many people like, Shazia Haque*, mother of three, remain in favour. “If one has the money and isn’t afraid of the operation, they should definitely go for it regardless of what anyone says. It is my body and only I have the right to decide what I want to do to it.” Social Media: It is impossible to speak of the portrayal of plastic surgery
required once in four to six months only. And what’s more, it only takes about two days for its effects to manifest themselves fully, smoothing out all wrinkles and fine lines without a scar. Whether it is natural defects or vanity, cosmetic surgery helps numerous people overcome their insecurities and lead a harmonious life. The missing link, however, is inner beauty. While plastic surgery has indeed improved the lives of many across the world, one cannot ignore the fact that it places more emphasis on material attributes than what should really matter. It isn’t the type of surgery one wants or why they want it. “Everyone is beautiful in their own, natural way,” suggests Zainab. “But for some people, our appearance is more important than anything else. They aren’t wrong in seeking medical help to attain their beauty ideals, so long as they remember their inner selves throughout.” *Names have been changed to protect privacy
4 Ms
en vogue
Ahsan Hussain showcases his elegant new wedding formals
Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Makeup: Nina Lotia Designer: Ahsan Hussain Photography & Styling: Munna Mushtaq Model: Noor-ul-Ain
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
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List
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
Need an instant cheer up? Indulge in these comfort foods that are sure to brighten up your day by Saman Javed
icture it: you have just had an argument with a loved one and stumbled into the kitchen in a daze. The next thing you know, you are elbows-deep in the refrigerator, scouring for some leftovers to help divert your attention from the fight. It is just leftovers — not the type of food you would go for had you not been so upset. Nor is it in line with your diet but that does not matter. Even happy feelings can send one rushing to the cookie jar because blurring out intense emotions — good or bad — is the goal. This all-too-familiar scenario is linked to the grand human tradition of ‘comfort food.’ It generally isn’t the healthiest but it will get you through an otherwise insurmountable day. Irrational as it may be, food, especially our personal list of favourites, holds the power to shift our mood. We identify with it due to our emotional or cultural experiences. We revert to it when are down and need a reminder of an aspect of ourselves that we like. Humans bond over food, offering it as a show of hospitality to others. But there is scientific proof of why humans tend to ‘eat away their depression.’ During times of stress, adrenal glands in the body release a hormone called glucocorticoids at a lower level which drives us towards pleasurable fatty foods to accumulate abdominal fat. In doing so, our body sends the brain a signal to stop releasing more hormones. Many experts believe that rich foods like chocolate, cakes and ice-creams can chemically help rectify a foul mood. There is considerable scientific evidence that carbohydrates present in most mainstream foods raise serotonin levels in our body, creating a ‘feel-good’ sensation in our minds. In a research involving subjects who were asked to view a sad movie and listen to sad music, it was found that those who had received an injection of saturated fat were less affected emotionally than those who were not. They also showed less brain activity than the second group. Point being, our bodies clearly respond to comfort food, meaning your craving for rich chocolate brownies after a depressing movie isn’t just in your head. People do a lot of unhealthy things trying to cope with pain and loss, including self-harm and drugs. So in the grand scheme of things, eating a little extra fat can’t be that bad!
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So the next time you are down, treat yourself to the following comfort foods that your shouldn’t think twice about. You deserve the cheat day! 1)
Burgers
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Ice-cream
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Peanut butter paste
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French fries
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Pie
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Chocolate pudding
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Pasta
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Chocolates
domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
Recipe
Baklava Cake If you love Baklava, this recipe is for you. Enjoy the flavours of fine Persian cuisine in the form of a cake, without having to fuss over the phyllo dough.
Method For the cake: • In a bowl, beat the butter and sugar thoroughly. • One by one, add the eggs to the mixture and beat. • Add rose water and cardamom. • Gradually, sift in the flour and baking powder into the mixture. • Bake the batter in a pre-heated oven for about 30 to 40 minutes. • Once baked, allow the cake to cool before further application. For the syrup: • Mix the remaining sugar and ½one cup of water together and boil until it becomes thick. • Stir rose water, saffron and honey in a cup. • Cut the cake into small squares or triangles and pour the hot syrup over it. • Set the cakes aside for 10 minutes to allow the syrup to sink in. • Garnish each piece with ground almonds or pistachios and serve. Your desert is now ready.
Gulnaz Mondegarian is an expert in Iranian cuisine who has co-hosted Food Diaries alongside Zarnak Sidhwa to celebrate Community Food Week
For the cake:
For the syrup:
Butter 3 oz/85 gms
Flour 1 cup
Eggs 3
Sugar ½1/2 cup
Sugar 1 cup
Rose water 2 tbsp
Rose water 1 tsp
Cardamom 1/4¼ tsp
Ground pistachio 1/2½ cup
Ground almonds 1/2½ cup
Honey 2 tsp
Saffron (optional) 1/4 tsp
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MARCH 23, 2014
hottie of the week 8
Status Born
Single Karachi, Pakistan
Birthday
26th July
Face
90%
Asad Zaman
Body
85%
Who is he? Calling out all Hritik Roshan fans! A carbon copy of your favourite Bollywood hero is in our midst and ready to take the Pakistani showbiz industry by storm. As a professional model, actor and heartthrob, Asad Zaman is a force to be reckoned with. His green eyes, chiseled features and porcelain complexion make him our very own Hritik. With matching acting prowess, numerous TV commercials and serials to this credit, not to mention his victory in the Hero Bannay Ki Tarang 2011 competition, Asad managed to bag the lead role in his first international film Hijrat last year. However, his dream role is to represent the youth of the subcontinent and encourage them to follow their dreams.
Talent
80%
Why we love him What is shocking about Asad is how down to earth he is! Despite the media scrutiny and his drop-dead gorgeous looks, Asad remains as grounded as one can be. He loves to spend time at home with his parents or close friends, watching a football match or just hanging out. Loyal, warm and welcoming, Asad is every bit the guy-next-door. The best part about Asad is that he epitomises the brawn with brains ideal. He is particularly interested in current affairs and holds a Masters degree in International Relations. He is also trained in Taekwondo and Wushu (Chinese martial arts). And as if this isn’t enough to make you drool, Asad also conducts martial arts classes for young kids in his spare time.
What you didn’t know about him If it wasn’t for his love for acting, Asad would have joined the army or foreign services. Asad loves all types of food but it has to be super spicy for him to enjoy it. Asad is extremely close to his family and his mom and dad are his inspiration. He is in search of a like-minded girl to take home to his parents. Girls, call dibs while you can!
Total Package
85%