The Express Tribune hi five - May 18

Ms MAY 18, 2014

ISSUE NO. 100

Pretty in Pastels

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The Legendary Zeba Bakhtiar

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inside fashion smashion —

Hair care for the summer

domestic goddess —

Cheesy cheddar biscuits

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Section In-Charge: Sarah Munir Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi

The Fashion Guru, Maria B.

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the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

In Conversation with Zeba Bakhtiar

by Zara Hafeez

Ms T sits down with the legendary actress to speak about her life, career and the Pakistani media

The entertainment industry in Pakistan is replete with many talented singers, actors and artists trying to carve a niche for themselves in the rapidly-changing media landscape. Zeba Bakhtiar is one such individual who has managed to excel at everything she tried her hand at. So, one can imagine how surreal it felt as I headed to her home for an interview.

Trying to remain calm, I made my way inside where I was greeted by her colleague Ashraf Kalim, who had arranged this meeting for us.

He led me through a hallway and into the living room where the interview was scheduled to take place. As I walked down, I noticed some picture frames hanging on the wall and realised they were snapshots from her Bollywood movie Henna, in which she starred with another legend Rishi Kapoor. This is a reminder that Zeba isn’t just any run-of-the-mill actor: her beauty, intellect and acting prowess have not only earned her national recognition but also made her a national icon in Pakistan and abroad.

The room I was seated in was filled with beautifully hand-woven carpets and bookshelves; the perfect mix of minimalism and class that hints at how effortlessly Zeba combines modernity with her traditional Balochi roots.

We exchanged pleasantries and sat down to speak about her journey into acting and the troubles she faced initially. Her career began 30 years ago when she approached PTV as a playwright. “PTV was not prepared to take a 20-year-old, convent-educated girl with a foreign mother seriously. They said that your mother is

of foreign origins so how can you write Urdu?” she recalls. Zeba was then approached by renowned producer Iqbal Ansari for her debut acting position in the hit PTV drama serial Anarkali.

“I enjoyed it but there were many things I didn’t like about it,” she admits. “However, people seemed to like it so I guess it just worked.”

But it wasn’t just her desire to be a playwright that drew her to the entertainment industry. “It was curiosity,” shares Zeba. “Back in the 1980s, not many girls from my kind of background could enter the profession because it was a huge taboo. They could become doctors, teachers, lawyers etc, but I was curious as to why people say it’s wrong to be in this profession. People can be good or bad but not professions.” So it was her curiosity that encouraged her to take up acting? “The environment at my home was intellectual and grounded. My upbringing was very sincere but on the other side, I saw a hypocritical society.

I began to question more and thought that since everyone in our society acts anyway, why not make a profession of it? Curiosity drove me, rather than ambition. Had it been ambition, I would’ve accomplished far more than I have.”

Life after Anarkali saw exponential growth for Zeba, who went from one successful project to another. “I did my first play, Anarkali, on TV, followed by some films,” she says.

“Whether it was in Pakistan or India, I didn’t really have a choice as Pakistan didn’t have films. I made one film here but realised how

CREDITS: AGENCY: PHEGENCY, HAIR&MAKEUP: N-PRO, PHOTOGRAPHER: HUMAYUN MEMON

The day you stop learning or think you have learnt enough, you are finished as an artist. It really shocks me to see these kids who have started out in the field today. After doing one odd project, they think they have learnt and achieved it all! They are so arrogant, it is scary Actor Zeba Bakhtiar

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

bad things were. TV was the only option. Other than that, I would’ve loved to do theatre but it didn’t come my way much.”

Despite her vast experiences, it is obvious that Zeba remains a keen learner, especially when it comes to her profession. “The day you stop learning or think you have learnt enough, you are finished as an artist,” she suggests. “It really shocks me to see these kids who have started out in the field today. After doing one odd project, they think they have learnt and achieved it all! They are so arrogant, it is scary.” It was for this reason that she conducted a training seminar in cooperation with an American colleague from Broadway recently. According to Zeba, new actors put boundaries on learning and so, they do not conduct their careers the way they should. “Since my colleague was in Pakistan, I thought it was a great opportunity to hold a learning seminar,” she explains, cheerfully. “I called a few people and places to come meet him and take advantage of an acting coach from Broadway. Unfortunately, very few people turned up. It would have been good to see more people taking interest in such a great opportunity.”

But being a veteran of the industry, Zeba had much more to say about its current state of affairs. She admits that the media has undergone significant positive and negative changes over the years. “Today, the exciting thing about film is that there is no ‘industry’ and so, there are no film stars. We have to create new ones.” And create is exactly what Zeba does. Her next project, a thriller film Operation 021, is a collaboration between Zeba and her son Azaan Sami Khan, all set to release this year. She says the masses seek character-driven stories and hopes to give them just that.

As for working with her son, Zeba couldn’t be more excited. “He used to observe my work as a producer when he was young. He was always surrounded with this form of art and has a good eye for what was happening. Sometimes, during a project, he would come up with a

3 Back in the 1980s, not many girls from my kind of background could enter the profession because it was a huge taboo. They could become doctors, teachers, lawyers etc, but I was curious as to why people say it’s wrong to be in this profession. very different angle which amazed us. He produced his first film at just 13 and it was shown at the SAARC Film Festival! So yes, I am extremely proud of Azaan.” The mother and son also run their own production house known as One Motion Pictures.

As I go up to leave, Zeba generously shared advice for those looking to make a mark in the field. “The best thing about acting is that you’re doing something different every day. But you must not misbehave or have an obnoxious attitude. You should refrain from arrogance and above all, be honest to whatever you are doing.” She explains that in her experience, she has seen many aspiring actors who are seeking fame, not a career. “Be an actor if you actually want to play different characters, not just because you want to be famous.” And her own career is a living testimony to these words.

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Ms

en vogue

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

Summer Style Guide Sana Wamik’s latest collection is ideal for summer evenings

Model : Mahy Khan Label : B.U.T.T.E.R.F.L.Y Designer : Sana Wamik Makeup : Beenish Parvez Photography : Shani Snapper Coordination : Thomas Fernandes @ Juice Talent

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

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fashion smashion

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

Summer

HAIR Care

by Manal Faheem Khan

Free yourself of hair woes Summer brings with it colourful clothing and long days spent at the beach or by the pool side. It’s a shame that this glorious season can reduce our hair to ruins.

Read on to findout which summer hair problem you suffer from and what you can do to counter it!

Scorching Exposure to excessive sunlight can over-dry hair, leaving them brittle and prone to split-ends and breakage. This is particularly threatening for hair that has been chemically treated as the chemicals have already stripped the hair of its natural elements, making it all the more vulnerable to harmful UV rays.

According to beautician and owner of a local salon, Fatima Kamaal, an easy way to counter summer heat is by washing hair with cold water. “Most people shower with warm or lukewarm water which only accelerates the scorching on the scalp. It is better to use cold water when washing hair as it is easier on the skin and also boosts shine.”

Many hairstylists also suggest investing in good quality leave-in conditioner. This will secure hair by creating a protective layer around it, thereby shielding it from the sun. In addition to this, conditioner will keep dry hair moisturised and soft throughout the season. “I would also recommend a thorough protein treatment every 15 days to keep dryness at bay,” adds Fatima.

Green Hair Chlorinated hair, commonly referred to as green hair, is a recurring problem for many women, every summer.

While many swimming pools prohibit swimming without swimming caps, people are generally lazy and try to avoid the hairpiece, exposing their manes to the multitude of

Any heat-styling, chemical treatments and even simply brushing or combing can weaken and break hair, regardless of the weather. The threat only increases in the hot summer months chemicals found in chlorinated water.

Every strand of our hair is protected by a lubricant called sebum that acts as a natural moisturiser for the hair follicles and scalp. Unfortunately, chlorine vaporises sebum. As the layer of the lubricant gradually depletes, the hair strand becomes more and more dry.

Once again, green hair is a particularly pertinent issue for those who have had chemical treatment. The ammonia that is found in hair dyes, sprays and creams etc, breaks down the bonds that give hair its shape, making it weaker and more susceptible to damage.

Moreover, metals like copper also seep into the pool water from adjoining ladders, diving boards and other pool fixtures like paint and tiles which release chemicals that are hazardous for hair. In order to avoid green hair, it is advisable to rinse hair thoroughly before entering the pool to saturate the hair strands with fresh water. This way, it is harder for unwanted chemicals to get under the hair shaft easily.

Lice Terrible as it may sound, summer begets lice and nits in the hair. These tiny parasites germinate on the hair shaft and multiply rapidly, causing irritation and itchy skin on the scalp. While lice are generally contagious

and contracted from others who have already been infected, sweating and dirt on the scalp are easy breeding grounds.

“Getting rid of lice can be very problematic as many of the anti-lice shampoos, creams and other treatments found in the market don’t always work,” explains Fatima.

“Personally, I think the best alternative is to apply a mixture of apple cider and vinegar to your hair. Taramira oil also eradicates lice completely.”

Overuse of hair appliances Any heat-styling, chemical treatments and even simply brushing or combing can weaken and break hair, regardless of the weather. The threat only increases in the hot summer months when your hair is already undergoing natural damage due to the sun.

In order to reduce the effect of heat, Fatima recommends protective serums and regular oiling.

“Women must remember that just oiling will not make much difference,” says Fatima. “One should take steam to open up the pores and allow the oil to seep in. Wrapping a hot towel around oiled hair can also help, as can heating the oil for a minute before application.”

Fading hair “UV rays from the sun affect coloured hair in more ways than one,” suggests Fatima. “They also tend to fade the colour of dye into a pale orange shade that ruins one’s image.” For this purpose, Fatima suggests ‘blue shampoo,’ a specially-formulated shampoo that safeguards hair colour against the son and curtails fading. “Blue shampoos offer UV protection, make your hair colour last longer and are available at any super market at a low price. I recommend it to all my customers.”

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

Recipe

Cheddar Bay Biscuits Try my recipe for these savoury biscuits, rich in cheese and garlic and the ideal appetisers for your next dinner party

Method For the baking mix: • Knead the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together.

• Cut the butter into small cubes and add to the flour mixture.

• Mix the ingredients with your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly. The quantities mentioned should yield approximately three cups of baking mix.

For the biscuit batter: • Preheat oven to 200oC • Add cold butter to the baking mix and knead.

• Add cheese, garlic and milk and mix with bare hands or a spoon, with as low disruption as possible.

• Scoop out tablespoons full of the biscuit batter and place them on an ungreased baking tray, leaving at least one inch of space between the scoops to allow the biscuits to spread while baking.

• Bake for approximately 10 – 12 minutes, until the top of the biscuits starts to turn golden brown.

For the butter glaze: • While the biscuits are in the oven, prepare the glaze by melting the butter and adding garlic and parsley. Stir to make a creamy mixture.

• Glaze the biscuits with this mixture while they are fresh out of the oven and piping hot. Your cheddar bay biscuits are now ready to serve!

Seemi Aamir is a part-time teacher and mother of three who spends much of her free time trying out new recipes and creating her own For the baking mix:

Flour 2 and 1/2 cups

Baking powder 2 tbsp

Sugar (powdered) 1 tbsp

Salt 1/2tsp

Butter 1/2cup

Milk 3/4 cup

Garlic cloves (mashed) 2

For the biscuit batter:

Baking mix 3 cups

Butter (cold) 4 tbsp

Butter (cold) 4 tbsp

For the butter glaze:

Butter (room temperature) 2 – 3 tbsp

Garlic clove (mashed) 1

Parsley flakes (dried) 3/4 tsp

woman of the week 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, MAY 18, 2014

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