The Express Tribune hi five - November 17

Ms NOVEMBER 17, 2013

ISSUE NO. 74

Fit for a Queen

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Brain vs Brawn

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inside mother superior — Juggling home and work

domestic goddess — Tantalising and flavoursome

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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra Sub-Editor: Sidrah Moiz Khan

The Desi Zeus

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Ms

the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Brain vs Brawn —The ultimate showdown by Saif Asif Khan

Ms T enters the gym to find out if intelligence really trumps good looks

The trouble with us fat people is not the suffering which emanates from the occasional bouts of low self-esteem when we look into the mirror, but also the realisaton that we don’t exactly cause ripples of excitement amongst leaner members of the opposite sex. This can partially be attributed to the perpetual presence of the ripped, macho, Adonis-types strutting around every gym. We would feel a lot better if we could oust the scrawny ones out of the equation completely so that women have no choice but to accept the more well-endowed models.

As a portly child, I once heard someone say, that unlike men, when it comes to choosing partners, women do not prioritise appearances — that women prefer substance over looks and brains over brawn. But I grew up seeing hordes of women swooning over the likes of Salman Khan. I figured out that something was wrong with my theory. Clearly, the buff male ideal was what women sought and dreamt of. This meant that there was little, if any, hope for us flabby, overweight mortals, unless, of course, the cherished muscular prototype was shown to be devoid of grey matter. Soon after this thought dawned upon me, I made a silent pledge to myself to prove this someday. Meanwhile, I dived into my double-fudge sundae.

After receiving numerous hints from friends and acquaintances to lose the flab, I finally joined a gym — overtly to shed the blubber. Secretly, it was really meant to allow me to test my hypothesis about muscular men and that, too, within their territory. Incredibly sneaky (and sad) of me, I admit.

For somebody like me who had never stepped inside a gym before, my first day was undeniably an eye-opening experience for me. What I was about to discover within the sweaty, smelly confines

I once heard someone say, that unlike men, when it comes to choosing partners, women do not prioritise appearances. But I grew up seeing hordes of women swooning over the likes of Salman Khan of the gym, was one of the most unique breeds of Pakistani men that remains unknown to society at large — except their own kind, of course. And out of purely selfless motives, I believe it would do the women of our country (in particular those who drool over gym-goers) a world of good to learn about the characteristics of this distinctive species which eats, sleeps and breathes exercise and doesn’t do much else in life.

So what can one say about this particular specimen of mankind based on a cursory observation from a distance? Not so much, to be honest. In fact, he appears rather ordinary, seemingly harmless

and quite docile and this is where it gets alarming. For it is only when one gets up close and personal with the gym-goer and has an opportunity to share his views on an array of issues that one experiences a gamut of emotions — from utter disbelief to hysterical giggles.

If nothing else, the sheer confidence with which he will narrate a story in which he reduces the rival to pulp and emerges as the hero who saves the day will merit a standing ovation.

The very first day, I was introduced to S* bhai, who was allegedly a famous soap actor during the 1990s and now spends his days either clubbing or pumping iron at the gym. Yes, those are the only two things he proudly claims to do. While flexing his biceps until his veins threatened to pop out, he told me how he had spent the previous night partying until the sunrise with some attractive young women on a yacht.

The only problem is, back in the 1990s, he was possibly a handsome 20-year-old, but now having crossed his forties, and close to hitting a half-century, the story about cavorting with nubile twenty-somethings was hardly anything to flaunt. As he was telling us his story, the door opened and his two daughters gamboled in, chanting “Daddy! Daddy!” in a chorus. When they departed, an impressed young bystander turned to him and enviously asked, “Bhai, does your wife know how about the fun you have at these parties?” To which he boasted, “Of course, she knows, yaar! She is totally chill with me partying, as long as I don’t leave her!”

I gradually discovered that these double lives were normal for nearly all of the health freaks at the gym. Apparently, they all lived a fun life, peppered with alcohol, women and easy money. Ask them what they do for a living and they would all usually respond the same way — “We run our own business”. From what they describe, they run the entire business on their own, with minimal assistance from a few subordinates, who are ‘useless’. Additionally, their work often necessitates travel meetings scheduled in Dubai, or better yet, Thailand. All of them profess to know the best vacation spots (read: massage parlours) in the Far East. They are all super busy — divided between playing golf, making business trips, visiting their factories and last, but certainly not the least, partying. However, their regular presence at the gym every single day at 5:00pm sharp remains a puzzling fact for me.

Which is why I also do not understand when they get the time to meet the throngs of women dying to hang out with them, if they are busy sweating buckets at the smelly gym machines every

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Within one week, I had stumbled upon a self-absorbed, delusional species whose conversation reeked of empty bravado and machismo day? Apparently, time does not seem to be a barrier as they could all list down the names of women who were crazy about them at the drop of a hat.

Clearly, age was not a hindrance either — even the middle-aged ones spoke with utmost confidence about being chased by young attractive women.

In the middle of discussion that varies from the amount of raw eggs consumed daily to the quickest way of building a steel posterior, spiked with testosterone-fuelled cricket commentary, I came to know that many of these men also took an active interest in the political scenario of the country. They had varying approaches but shared the utopian goal of leading all politicians to the gallows. In fact, the very day before Dr Tahirul Qadri signed his groundbreaking agreement, S* Bhai was airing his views on the incompetent government using the choicest of adjectives. What’s more, he foresaw that within the next 24 hours there would be a historic change, when the old order would collapse like a pack of cards, and a fresh set of clean, untainted faces would take its place. What foresight, what wisdom!

So far, my hypothesis had been delightfully true. Within one week, I had stumbled upon a self-absorbed, delusional species whose conversation reeked of empty bravado and machismo. I could now proceed to enlighten the rest of humanity about my great findings and

make the world a happier, bulkier place.

Silently celebrating my victory, I turned to bid farewell to the gym, when I overheard one gym-goer talking about how he seriously respects women. I could not help but eavesdrop as my heart sank at the realisation that I may have been wrong. I hesitantly turned towards the heaving pile of glistening flesh on the rickety steel bench and timidly asked, “You do?”

His reply was most reassuring: “Totally, man. I respect women for trying this hard to look good for us. I mean they wear high heels, man. Can you imagine the pain they go through?

Just for us. Respect.”

Needless to say, I treated myself to an upsized double cheeseburger meal and a milkshake for lunch that day. *Names have been changed to protect identities

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Ms

en vogue

A touch of regality Designer duo Sana & Samia display their latest lawn collection, featuring intricate work and an array of colours

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Coordination: Umer mer Mushtaq Hair & Make-up:: Shahzad Raza Designers: Sana and Samia Photogtaphy & Styling: Athar Shahzad Models: Mahroosh sh Rana and Eshal Fayyaz

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Ms

mother Superior

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Back t Whi o work le wom doctors ha a com n to leav ve mixe pa d e since nies off her bab opinion s reg er on y an a lar dr ardin ly is th ge n at a g umb three m esume work the rig l e a o care r of rge n n t ht ti h , the wom s as cent u me f m f mat b res i e or a “Ide ernit act is th n or er of co n are n ally, a d o y m t mo e w l p mon eave r to a wo a i n n st t i ke es he th .H m the b s old,” s an shou ep their are now workfo oweve r ays D r , emp ld ge aby c b e, th uildi is lo t bac r feels k to yees hap ng in-ho e upside that being br Ayesha work Jabe use east duri p en o dayng t it is nec fed, afte y.

How he early essary fo trained f Medice r the ba a e f l b r l o n v . y is s a mo rm “Dur d be the m er, Dr ix gin th in Zary ative m othe onth er and c s wean g that ti ab S leav r s h i me h n e s e he o . i t g l u n d .” l a d t S r bab o be of La g impo y wit o back with he also r whe dy Duffe h so each Setn tant for n m r e i othe n Ho th ve eo a. r sp baby “There e mothe ne else r she fe . “Af els c ital feel is no r and whe t s o e n s mon mfo that r the t c h a i e e m n rtab ba ths.” ti s othe f le ve it r lea fic evide by to h irst few ave ves h nce mon to ’t ha don’t s n s b a e t a ths, e u h rout t o r a o d g t c y h y it s n , ine,” ug ild to nd pi an sit says is go b gests a Kee r comp entre a o baby o leave D n a t c t g y r u ck to h If yo aycare embers ill have rst thin hours work arm to by. d a o w k t m b r he n a w u fter wo ow family yo he ile our thre that anny. T ng your up on y ion. Wh call e e v m e a r e h n t k ld th sa duri y hec stra ith a ust nce hou cha aby w p doing ur to c nd fru giver s t to tr e nann aby, b a o n h u e b t r h a y r d t t u e y a i h r n r o t h s c o i e y e imo at the so imp ime w are of t ings you ome ev n t a a t c th in th h ed s,” s al t up a call ults lear take s, fe reak , it i is to nly res ake it c ations y to se b is to diaper unch b he o m itu k, tr e her jo f dirty uring l with t This od to cy s o bac go rgen r feed s. Sinc mber abies d ontact e it’s m t u o e n F n in c . e i n e i v b erb you their jo day’s e t on th p on th to keep ork.” w n s e u u t h y wit w th a co check of wa her is a s n evie o keep t t r a o o c l o m t e t oms e ar ile a her ask aps. “M . “Ther ven wh Connecting with your baby n a etn by e and Dr S the ba It’s crucial that you leave your s y sa nd work worries in the office before ny a n a n you go home. Now that you are a Smash your stress full-time employee and a mother, After restarting your professional life, feelings of joy mixed you must realise that your baby with doubt and sadness can get jumbled up, resulting in craves your full attention when separation anxiety. This happens when most mothers feel you get home. “A mother needs guilty for leaving their bundle of joy at home with a nanny. to spend quality time with her Consequently, some times work-related stress increases, lack baby after work,” says Dr Jabeen. of focus starts to hinder work and poor productivity becomes Additionally, if your betterevident. half lends you a helping hand, it “I couldn’t concentrate on anything when I returned from my makes things easier. Khan feels leave,” says Alizay Khan, a mother of two. “It took me a whole that she has managed her family month to get back into routine. During that time, I began to and career well with the help of value my family more than ever before. The time I spent with her husband. “I am very fortumy daughter recharged me and enabled me to do better in all Deciding to get back to nate. My husband has always areas of life.

My family is my biggest strength.” work after giving birth to a supported me in my professional The best way to overcome anxiety is to be confident about baby is probably the toughlife,” she says. “We work as a your decision.

While you may be worrying at work, the good est choice that any mother team to raise our children and news is that your baby has no idea about your separation can make. While some can nurture them.” blues. Give yourself time to adjust to your work routine and afford to quit their jobs stabilise your inner-self.

Remember, as long as your baby is in and become stay-at-home loving and responsible hands, he/she will be fine. moms, other women don’t have that luxury. Whether a woman is career-oriented or experiencing financial stress, resuming work after a maternity leave can be overwhelming. Hence, it is imperative that a woman is fully recovered — both physically and emotionally, during her leave.

Parenting Guide

Moms get back on track!

Learn how to balance work and family life by Mahrukh Abbasi

Lunch with kanwal 3.30 Call the Na nny

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Recipe

Spicy Chicken Wings

You can serve spicy chicken wings as a starter, enjoy them as a snack or include them in your dinner or lunch menu. Regardless of the time and occasion, you are sure fall in love with them!

Arooj Waqar runs a Facebook cooking page called Mona’s Kitchen and aspires to convert her passion for cooking into a career

Method Mix chicken wings with all the spices, egg, corn flour, soy sauce and garlic paste in a bowl.

Marinate the chicken for at least three hours.

The longer you marinate the chicken, the more it will enhance the flavour.

Mix flour, two pinches of salt, some red chili powder and baking powder in a seperate bowl.

Cover chicken wings with dry flour and spices, dusting off the excess mixture. Deep fry the marinated chicken wings on a medium flame and place a lid on the wok while frying.

Ingredients:

Chicken wings 25

Egg 1

Salt to taste

chilli powder to taste

Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown.

Soak extra oil with the help of tissue paper and serve hot with French fries and ketchup.

Chat ma- Corn flour 2 Flour 1 cup Baking sala 1 ½ — tbsp (for coating) powder 2-3 2 tbsp tsp

Garlic paste Soy sauce 2 1 tbsp tbsp

hottie of the week 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 17, 2013

Status Born

Single (call dibs!)

Islamabad, Pakistan

Birthday

May 6

Ali Rehman Khan

Face

80%

Body

85%

Who is he?

An actor by profession and a lady-killer by looks, Ali Rehman Khan has become a household name lately after his television stint in Rishte Kuch Adhore Se. He rose to stardom with his debut film Slackistan, but its ban in Pakistan kept Ali from enjoying his share of fame in the country.

However, Ali is not one to give up in situations like these — undeterred by the ban and the criticism he faced, he went on like a soldier. This might break the hearts of many girls out there, but Ali’s first love is acting. In his own words: “I love acting. I’ve always wanted to act and be involved in the performing arts. It’s what makes me the happiest and gives me a sense of belonging.”

There’s certainly more to him than what meets the eye. This actor not only learns from criticism, but also makes sure he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. Aren’t we in love with the Mr Perfectionist?

Talent

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Why we love him If the girl in his life ever gets bored with his chiselled features, facial fuzz and those dreamy eyes, he can always entertain her by grooving some tunes as he’s a big fan of electronic music and tries his hand at it every now and then. The fact that this globetrotting alpha male finds peace at home makes him a keeper — isn’t he absolute marriage material?

This positive, optimistic and happy-go-lucky guy doesn’t take too much stress in life. His easy-going nature helps him focus on the good things in life. If he is entangled in a difficult situation, he knows how to steer clear. Fear not, damsels in distress, your saviour has arrived! However, if you want to score brownie points, you must be honest with him as he has a tendency of getting angry really quick.

What you didn’t know about him He might look like a player, but he has a deeper, more serious side to him. He studies people wherever he travels and observes their mannerisms. If he finds something quirky in their habits, it might stay with him. He also tries to fit that quirk in the roles he plays.

Ali absolutely dislikes being lied to. He says he would rather accept a bitter truth than be told a lie. He also loathes insincerity amongst friends and being told what to do. He has a height phobia, but thinks jumping off a plane and parachuting will be adventurous.

He reveals his favourite holiday spot as his own house. He admits that the endless travelling has made him terribly homesick.

Total Package

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