The Express Tribune Magazine - November 13

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Thank you for the music

25 years after they dissapeared from the scene, we catch up with the Benjamin sisters

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NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Cover Story 18 Thank You for the Music Ever wonder what happened to the Benjamin Sisters?

30 Where are they now?

Big hair and breakdancing may be a thing of the past but these ‘80s stars are evergreen

Feature 32 Shall We Dance?

Banker by day, salsa dancer by night ... meet Hazan D

Travel 36 Now You’re In New York Saba Khalid discovers the joys of nature in one of the most urbanised cities in the world

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Up North and Personal

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38 Monkey Business How tourists are destroying the ecological balance of Galiyat

Regulars 6 People & Parties: Out and about with Pakistan’s beautiful people 40 Reviews: What’s new in books and movies 42 10 things I hate about: University life

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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, Samad Siddiqui, Mohsin Alam, Sukayna Sadik.

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

For feedback and submissions: magazine@tribune.com.pk 4

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Ruby Shakel hosts a 3-day event at the Fashion Pakistan Lounge in Lahore

Rubina

PHOTOS COURTESY SAVVY PR & EVENTS

Mariam and Fareeha

Mahvish and Mehak

Amna, Mariam, Saim and Aliha

Babloo and Natasha

Salma and Turab

6 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Reema

Shakel, Ruby, Nazrah and Fahd

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Fatima Butt Wajeeha, Sidra and Maleeha Faeza and Zahida

Annie and Shoaib Zohair and Maryam

Saira Omer Farooq

8 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Noor, Sehr and Naheed

Saira and Maliha

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Sadia and Dilara Raazia

Zehra and Sophiya Khan

Malaaika, Annie and Sam

PHOTOS CXXX

Lubna and Abgeena

Ayesha

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Asiya and Waheed Malik

Nazi and Aamir

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

PEOPLE & PARTIES

Nickie Nina participate in a fashion show, to raise funds for Medical Aid For Pakistan, in London

Nickie and Maria

Hajra

Lena

Sadya

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Joe

Sarah with Ravisha

PHOTOS COURTESY VOILA PR

Diana and Liana

Farah Khushi

Rear Admiral Amjad Hussain

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

PEOPLE & PARTIES

The Citizens Foundation organises a fundraising event, ‘Zikre Khusro: a journey of music and love’, in Karachi

ar

feeda Bad

ain and Ra

Aisha Huss

Humeira Tahir Ayub, Roohi Sayeed and Nadia Nadeem

Nabila Yasin Siddik and Maneeze Omar

Saba Paracha

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Shahla Shareef

Farah Raza Chhapra, Mushtaq K Chhapra and Nilofar Saeed

Sadia Awan

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

PEOPLE & PARTIES

ociety S t r A l a r nises a Flo in Karachi a g r o il u q Farha A at her residence lunch

Farha Aquil Fauzia Nafisa and Nishat

Kausar and Erum

Zoreed Ra

za

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Khushbakht Shujaat and Shahimah Syed

Offi Khan and Nishat

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

COVER STORY

Thank you for th

BY SAADIA QAMAR

PHOTOS BY ZEESHAN HAIDER

JEWELLERY: KIRAN FINE JEWELRY HAIR AND MAKEUP: BINA KHAN DESIGNER: ZAID HAMEED

Ever wonder what happened to the Benjamin Sisters? Those icons of the ‘80s? Well, wonder no more because here they are!

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he music 19 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

COVER STORY It’s funny the things you rediscover when you can’t watch TV. It is while fiddling with the radio during a long spell of load-shedding that I hear those familiar voices, coming not just from the radio speakers but from the distant past.

The musical lilt of the voice, as I sit listening in the dark, is unmistakable. In a flash I realise who

it is: it’s Beena from the Benjamin Sisters, those singers of patriotic anthems, the cherished icons of my childhood, role models so exemplary that their very wholesomeness seems to confine them to an era far removed from Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan.

As the voice fades away, I snap back to the present: this is 2011, not 1986, I remind myself. Tweens

don’t sway to the tune of “Khayal Rakhna”, they bop to the beat of Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga. And yet, here is Beena Benjamin, hosting a show on FM 107. Does this spell a comeback for the sisters?

Immediately, I go about the task of finding a contact for these old-time favourites.

But arranging an interview with them is no mean task. Thrice our meeting is cancelled because

of the political unrest in Karachi. Finally, we decide to meet on a seemingly less turbulent Thurs-

day at Chatkharay. As I dig into delectable chaat, I almost expect them to walk in wearing match-

ing outfits. They arrive, giggling amongst themselves, oblivious of the interview. As she devours

mirchi pakoras, Beena looks the same as she did years ago. Shabana Kenneth nee Benjamin sips Roof Afza, looking philosophical. Nerissa, meanwhile, does justice to her yummy fruit chaat, and

proves to be the most animated of the lot, recounting with gusto numerous anecdotes of their past glory.

“Where have you been all these years?” is the first question.

Nerissa, Beena and Shabana laugh softly.

“Humari shadiaan hogai, hum gum hogaay,”(We all got married and hence we were nowhere to

be found) says Nerissa Benjamin, the eldest. Belonging to an era when showbiz did not gel with

married life, the sisters disbanded in 1987, at the height of their popularity, when Nerissa got married. In fact, before he was her husband, Nerissa’s husband was her biggest fan, telling his mother that he would only marry her.

“After marriage, life became very busy. Today, we all have different schedules and it’s difficult to

coordinate with each other,” adds Beena.

They were introduced to showbiz by Javed Allah Ditta, a notable sitar player and member of

the PIA Academy, where stalwarts like Sohail Rana and Zia Mohyuddin performed, and recorded “Khayal Rakhna” with Alamgir in 1983. Signed up for just one episode of Shoaib Mansoor’s programme “Silver Jubilee”, which was conceived as a tribute to artists who had been performing for the past 25 years, Nerissa, Shabana and Beena ended up doing 20 episodes.

The Benjamin Sisters hark back to the PTV of yore, known for discovering fresh talent and produc-

ing quality programmes. Even today, television viewers remember the vernal appeal of the three

sisters: in their matching shalwar kameez and identically arranged dupattas they bobbed their heads ever so slightly while rendering favourites such as “Laila Laila”. Their bodies held absolutely rigid, their arms modestly crossed, they looked very much a part of the choir from which they had

begun their musical journey. It was their father, Victor Benjamin, who first kindled this love for music. A skillful player of the xylophone, he encouraged his daughters to sing and they soon joined

the Sunday School choir at The Christ Church. This was the sum total of their musical training. At

a time when Zia’s Islamisation campaign was at its peak, these sisters from a minority community extolled nationalism in their beloved millie naghmay, capturing the nation’s heart in the process.

“Things were certainly different then. If there was any strife, it was against one sect or commu-

nity,” says Nerissa. “The times we are living in are much stranger. People belonging to minority communities like us, feel threatened.”

But Shabana is more hopeful, “I truly believe that things will change for the better. Someone, for

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sure, will rise and save us all.”

When they first started appearing on TV, Nerissa was 21 years old and Beena and Shabana were 16

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

soul sisters The Benjamin Sisters, even in their heyday, were associated with a particular nostalgia, singing as they did, Urdu hits from yesteryears. Now, they are a part of this generation’s childhood memories

BEHIND THE SCENES What was it like to work on a Benjamin Sisters’ photoshoot? From those who grew up on a staple diet of their songs to those only heard of them from older siblings, the people behind the scenes recount their experience.

I wasn’t even born when they were at the top of their game, but I had of course heard their music and seen the videos. I was super excited when I was asked to click them. As for the shoot itself, it was as fun (and painful) as any other shoot, but I had to be extra careful as I was dealing with Pakistan’s national treasures! — Zeeshan Haider, Photographer My first thought was: “No way! The Benjamin Sisters? Where have they been?” I was thrilled when I was approached to design outfits for the shoot and had a bunch of ideas for reinventing them, keeping in mind the classic Benjamin Sisters look.

I met them over a cup of tea and witnessed a steamroller go over my all-white, very contemporary ideas. The conversation was about daily life, likes, dislikes, personal styles, colours they love and colours they don’t love: Nerissa and Shabana with their beige-themed traditional dress sense and Beena with her passion for the colour red. I remember how cutely they asked for neck lines not to be too deep as “Mummy would get upset!” It was delightful. — Zaid Hameed, Designer I said ‘yes’ without even meeting them, even though I wondered how they looked 25 years later. I instinctively knew that the ‘one voice’ sisters needed jewellery that belonged to the same family. Not only did they pave the way for other women to blaze their own trails in the future, they also opened a window into the past for me and other teenagers in the early ‘80s who grew up listening to their renditions of Pakistani classics. Even today when I hum “Jeya gaye tara rara rum” or “Tum zindagi ko ghum ka fasanna bana gaye”, I conjure up their faces. — Kiran Aman, Jewellery designer a

21 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

COVER STORY

24 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

and 15 years old, respectively. Their mother encouraged the younger sisters but was a bit hesitant in sending the eldest one on TV. After a couple of episodes, the popularity of the sisters exploded and their fan following made their parents impose limits on their comings and goings. “Going to the bazaar was strictly forbidden,” says Nerissa. “We were simply too famous!”

This was also one of the reasons that Nerissa Benjamin hardly ever did commercial shows,

whereas the other two happily went ahead, voices in sync. Their appeal pretty much cut across all

age groups. A colleague told me that, as a child, her elder sister (who was then 8 years old) admired the Benjamin sisters so deeply, that when their mother was expecting a third child, she prayed for a little sister. Asked why, she replied, “Because then we’ll be the Benjamin sisters!”

The Benjamin sisters, in fact, are four in all. The youngest, Edna, was not part of the original

singing trio but now works as an RJ at a radio station.

The fan mail came in droves and the sisters basked in the admiration. According to Beena, “Sha-

bana’s followers were all teenagers, while kids used to adore me.”

“Senior citizens were left for me!” interrupts Nerissa.

The sisters laugh and Beena continues: “Nerissa had everyone following her,” she says slyly.

PTV was a second home to them, as to many other emerging artists and actors such as Hadiqa

Kiyani, who were discovered and groomed by the institution in the ‘80s. “The love, respect and admiration we have received from PTV is one thing we will always be thankful for,” they say.

But times have changed since then, and so has the music industry. Where once Alamgir and

Hasan Jehangir ruled the roost, now there are Ali Zafar, Zoe Viccaji and Zeb and Haniya. I wonder how they find the music industry different from when they first started.

“Today, you find everything ready-made,” says Nerissa.

While Beena believes, “No hard work is required now.”

According to Shabana, “A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into making a lyrical song melodious.

Not any more. In our times, one tiny mistake and the entire song would have to be re-recorded!”

The audience too appears to have changed over time, growing more discriminating about the

music they listen to — the simple tunes these sisters belted out no longer suffice.

Amidst laughter, Beena Benjamin says, “No, the audience is the same. The ears have changed!”

Though no longer in the limelight, the Benjamin sisters intend to stick to what they know are

their strengths, if they ever make that comeback that is bound to bring a smile to a lot of faces.

Shabana says, “If we are ever given a choice, we will be singing those same millie naghmay in a new style.” Nerissa adds, “We have been die-hard patriots all our lives.”

Till that happens, Nerissa continues to teach at St. Patrick’s High School, and Beena works as a

voiceover artist and a VJ. Shabana Kenneth, meanwhile, is a housewife. Nerissa and Shabana have a daughter and two sons each, whereas Beena has been blessed with a daughter. All three agree:

blast from the past The sisters have gone their separate ways, disbanding at the height of their popularity. Still, when they get together for a while, you get a glimpse of the magic that catapulted them to fame.

“Our kids remain our greatest critics to date. They are always mocking our hair-dos and make-up from back then.”

But their husbands and in-laws are amongst their biggest fans. “They’re always telling us to sing

a new song,” says Beena.

The possibility of that is far off — it is, after all 2011. But when they get together, laughing and

joking over small things, their voices mingling for the tiniest second as they interrupt each other, for a while they are the Benjamin Sisters once again. And I remain their biggest fan. a

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CONTEXT

Where are they now?

BY SAIM SADIQ AND ROHAIL SALMAN

Ah, the ‘80s! The bygone era of bad hair, glam rock, break dancing, Miami Vice, neon lights, acid wash jeans and denim jackets. It was a time when Sultan Golden could jump over 22 cars in a single bound, 15-year-old Jahangir Khan became the youngest winner of the Squash World Open and “Fifty-Fifty” left audiences breathless with laughter. The ‘80s also heralded the birth of popular music, with hits like Is “Parcham Kay Saye Tala”, “Disco Deewane” and Hawa Hawa. Independence Day

functions were incomplete without the obligatory rendition of “Hum Zinda Qaum Hain” and bedroom walls of teenagers across the country would have been bare if not for Vital Signs posters.

Here is a look at five music sensations from that golden era.

4) Hasan Jehangir

5) Shyhaki

Pompous, proud, privileged; what-

Originally from Iran, Muhammad

ever you call him, Jehangir was a

Ali Shyhaki is easily one of the most

mega superstar in the ‘80s, not only in

quintessential landmarks of the ‘80s

Pakistan but internationally. Imagine

pop landscape. A graduate of Karachi’s

penning a song called “Imran Khan

NED University, this civil engineer,

is a Superman” and gaining interna-

provided us with evergreen tunes like

tional superstardom. Such was his

Meray Bachpan Kay Din and Meri Ankhon Say Dunya Ko Dekho with

hear him speak or sing. You might

remarkable regularity before pursu-

love him or hate him but you have to respect the man for his ab-

Studio collaborations are amazing then know that Shyhaki’s ‘Al-

sold out Indian stadiums at a time when neighbourly conflicts

ing his career as an aviation engineer. If you think today’s Coke lah Allah Kar Bhayya’ with folk legend Allan Fakir, whom he

brought to the mainstream, set the stage for such endeavours. It

is of no surprise then that many acknowledge Shyhaki, alongside Alamgir, as the torchbearers of pop in that era. Shyhaki retreated

from the limelight after his career change, occasionally gracing Independence Day concerts with his presence. He recently made a comeback with a revamped version of his song Teray Ishq Mae

30

charisma, and still is, whenever you

and is currently completing his US tour.

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

solute originality; even when he boasted about performing in

were at their peak. Currently, although his pomposity still remains quite untouched, he is back with a fresh Bengali number Dol Dol. Several websites in 2009 also reported that Hawa Hawa

would feature in a Bollywood film. Although this project was put on hold for a while, it’s apparently back on track now. The singer

also plans to sing for an upcoming Bollywood flick in India and promises to come up with a lot of new music. Currently, he’s doing a tour in Bangladesh.

3) Alamgir Known as the Elvis of the East,

Alamgir has not only enthralled

audiences in his age, but also

inspired many to pursue a career

in pop music. It is rumoured that when Alamgir moved to Karachi from East Pakistan, all he carried with him was a guitar and a passion to sing. He performed at small cafes where the

only remuneration was free meals. With unforgettable hits such

as Dekha Na Tha and Khayal Rakhna his popularity at the time was matchless and his distinctive attire always ensured that he

stood out from all other musicians. With time, age took its toll on Alamgir and in 2004 he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney

1) Vital Signs

gia. Alamgir recently released a new version of his popular song

— has in some shape or form been inspired by Vital Signs. It is

disease. He is currently undergoing treatment in Atlanta, Geor-

Almost every Pakistani music artist or band — including Junoon

Keh Dey Na, featuring Canadian singer Kristie Yung.

this influence that places them at the top of Pakistan musical pantheon. Initially comprising of Rohail Hyatt, Shahzad Has-

‘

san, Junaid Jamshed and Nusrat Hussain, the band was later

2) Nazia and Zoheb

joined by Salman Ahmed. One of the most iconic tunes belted

The two siblings, Nazia and Zoheb, are regarded as

the pioneers of pop music

in Pakistan, bringing us hits like “Disco Deewane”, “Boom

Boom”,

“Dum

Dum Dede”, “Ankhen Milane Wale”, “Pyar Ka Jadu”, “Telephone

Pyar”

and

out by the band would have to be “Dil Dil Pakistan”, voted by BBC World as the world’s third most popular song of all time. From

the patriotic “Hum Hain Pakistani” to the cheeky “Goray Rang

Ka Zaamana” to the mellow “Main Chup Raha”; Vital Signs

have done it all. Today, Rohail Hyatt produces Coke Studio while Shahzad Hassan handles a production company of his own. After a successful solo career, Junaid Jamshed renounced music in 2004 and is now running a clothing line, appearing on religious

shows and also the occasional ad for chips and ‘halal’ vaccines. a

“Aap Jaisa Koi”. Nazia captured the heart of the na-

tion with thousands rushing to emulate her but only Nazia could knock an “Aankhein Milane Walay” out of the park with as much

effortlessness as a “Dum Dum Dee Dee” or “Pyaar Diyan Galan”.

Often playing along yet serving as only an efficient sidekick, Zoheb’s career kicked off when he appeared alongside his sister

in the iconic, worldwide best-seller album Disco Deewane. Post the heartbreaking demise of his sister, Zoheb vanished from the music scene, returning much later with his 2006 album Kismat.

Today, the only glimpse one might catch of him is on a morning show.

31 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

FEATURE

shall we dance

?

BY AMEER HAMZA

As they danced in the ballroom in Ankara, the well dressed gentleman leading the beautiful lady through a succession of graceful twists and turns, their movements were perfectly in sync. It was at that moment that Hazan realised that he wanted to learn how

Banker by day, salsa dancer by night...meet Hazan D, Karachi’s best salsa dancer

Salsa jive, also called modern jive, is probably the simplest,

and some would say the most fun, of all forms of dancing. It is

taught in the form of “moves” (a short sequences of steps) which are then linked together to form a flowing dance.

Hazan was invited to the World Salsa Congress in Mexico but

to dance. A recent graduate of the IBA, Karachi, Hazan had sold

unfortunately could not attend due to visa difficulties. This year

on my trip and when I saw those two people have this amazing

edly be five times bigger than previous events. Hazan has been

his jeep to pay for a vacation to Turkey. “I visited a dance school conversation through dance, I immediately decided to extend my stay in Turkey and enrolled to learn ballroom dancing,” he says.

Now, back in Karachi, Hazan is the Assistant Vice President of

a local private bank by day but by night you can find him twisting and twirling at ActOne, where he teaches salsa jive. “When salsa was introduced to England, lots of people found it difficult

to move their hips, thus salsa jive was born,” Hazan explains, “It’s easy to learn and you can do it on any song, Bollywood, hip hop or pop.”

32 NOVEMBER 13-19 6-12 2011 2011

the World Salsa Congress is being held in Cuba, and will supposinvited again and hopes to attend this year. “It’s not a competition. All the world champions of dance converge at the event

and conduct workshops on dance. I will also be performing the rhumba with the Mexican champion, Ms Beatriz Franco and I plan to spend my three days there soaking in all I can from the masters of dance.”

He concludes: “I never knew that one day dancing would take

over my life but it did. Dancing helps me relax, it lets me express myself.” a

1- Normal position: Gentleman

2- Gentleman: Takes a right step

3- Gentleman: Pulls the lady,

(Right) — Lady (Left)

back and extends hand out signal-

using left hand, towards him

4a- Gentleman: Moves left

ing to the lady

and places right hand on her

foot back and pushes the

Lady: Takes a left step back

waist

lady’s right hand down and

Lady: Takes a step forward

towards her

with left foot and stands next

Lady: Moves right foot, tak-

to him with left hand on his

ing it all the way back 270 de-

shoulder and right hand still

grees. She is now facing the

in his left. She will be looking

same direction as him

in the opposite direction

4b- Gentleman: Using his right hand, placed on her lower back, pushes her back in the position so that she is standing next to him but while both

5- Gentleman: Using his right hand,

are facing different directions

spins her while holding her right

Lady: When he pulls, takes her

hand with his left and raising it

right foot and places it back

Lady: Spins in a clockwise direction

where it was before the 270

and comes face to face with him

degree turn

6- Gentleman: Returns the spin with his left hand, this time in an anticlockwise direction Lady: Spins!

Returns to postion 1

33 NOVEMBER NOVEMBER13-19 6-12 2011

TRAVEL

now you’re in Saba Khalid discovers that there’s more to New York than bright lights and skyscrapers

new york

BY SABA KHALID

It was my third day in the City. I was walking on Fifth Avenue, admiring the storefronts of Bergdorf Goodman and Saks, drooling over a Gucci dress that I could never afford in this lifetime. As I hung outside the Trump Tower, hoping to catch a glimpse of the narcissistic billionaire, I stumbled upon Central Park.

(and well-rehearsed) eye roll — I had reserved this eye roll espe-

I had never thought of it as anything more than a beautiful

tired behind on and get that perfect shot. But before I could even

park and I was no naturalist. But the horse carriages and the Italian-students-turned-pedicab drivers calling out to me made

me feel like an exotic tourist in some film, and that succeeded in dragging me in, if only to tick Central Park off my list of spots

my vacation. Till now, the look hadn’t really been needed and I had been waiting to try it on some amorous male.

“I just thought you’d want to try….free lessons and all,” he said

dejectedly as he turned away and left. Feeling slightly guilty, I got back to my mission of finding a quaint bench to perch my

sit down, I heard the most wonderful combination of violin, piano, guitar and flute. The sound was so exquisite that I had to see what was going on.

In the middle of the park there were at least 15 pairs of profes-

visited. Another motivation was to see if I could quickly find a

sional tango dancers, lifting their legs high enough to match the

would make all 34853257 of my Facebook friends turn instantly

don, all the while swaying to Argentinean tango music. I joined

picturesque spot to get that one Facebook profile picture that green with envy. Isn’t that the real reason we all travel?

I had only stepped inside when a tall man with floppy blonde

36

cially for any and all men who would try making passes at me on

hair, blocked my way entirely. “Would you like to tango with me?” he said mischievously. I waved him off and did my best NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Manhattan skyline and throwing their heads back with aban-

the admiring audience watching them glide for what seemed to me like minutes but may well have been hours.

“There really was ‘tango’ in the park,” I thought to myself as I

moved with the audience towards the next attraction, a bunch of

Carry me away

Garden of the Heart

It takes two to tango

Undiscovered talent

Two hours in Central Park, I realised that whoever told me ‘Disney was the happiest place in the world’ had lied. This has got to be the happiest place in the world.

tourists dancing wildly to the beat of African drums.

of Central Park for you. Two hours in Central Park, I realised that

in his 80s roller-skated past me. It reminded me of the lines in

lied. This has got to be the happiest place in the world.

Before I could reach them, a shirtless man who must’ve been

the Alicia Keys song, “There’s nothing you can’t do/ Now you’re

whoever told me ‘Disney was the happiest place in the world’ had For a budget traveller like myself, the absolute highlight of the

in New York.” And the 80-year-old in his too-tight biker shorts

park is that it is completely free. Of course, the children’s zoo and

Just then, throngs of cyclists, roller-bladers and skateboarders

amusement parks such as Disney World. And if you’re super fru-

and his bare chest was no exception.

whizzed past me. The light was green and I was on a busy Central Park road. I later learnt that you don’t ever want to get in the

way of serious cyclists in Central Park — they will run you down without any remorse.

As I slowly made my way back to the greens, I finally saw

what drives 25 million visitors to this urban park each year. It is

so much more than just a gorgeous park. Shaded by elm trees,

with tiny turtles sitting on stones, precious ducklings floating

in ponds, lovers staring at each other as they canoed in the lake for hours on end and children licking popsicles as they listened intently to a street performer’s vivid story-telling, laughing hysterically as he performed magic tricks — that’s just a tiny aspect

4D theatre have an entrance fee but that too is lower compared to

gal, you can skip these two attractions altogether and still enjoy

plenty of other free things in the Park. Most of all, the fun you

have here is pure, organic, natural and tech-free fun under the sun. With an area spanning 843 acres, it is close to impossible to explore everything in the park in a single day. Even with two

days to spare, I was barely able to scratch the surface. It was only after I spent every other evening for one week religiously going to

the park that I was able to understand its various attractions and lively characters inside out.

When I came to NYC, I never imagined spending my very last day

in a park. But here I am, on my very last day, sitting in Central Park and, trust me, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world! a

NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

37

UP NORTH AND PERSONAL Life in the high mountains is suffused with a timeless luminosity every autumn. The spectral light softens and slows all movement: be this the drifting flight of a Siberian Steppe Eagle as it lazily floats on somnolent thermals, the

hushed shuffle of village women returning from forested slopes

bearing massive bundles of animal fodder and fuel on their heads or the half-hearted perambulations of weather-beaten old men

trawling tiny bazaars for tea and gossip. Days are a dream time of unhurried preparedness for when, suddenly and in the dark of

the night, collective consciousness is overpowered with a sharp clarity induced by the subzero temperatures of winter.

For now though, slow motion is the order of the day. With the

tourist season over, the plastic chairs of roadside eateries lie empty and forlorn. Local people go about the ageless business of reclaiming both their lands and their lives which, unfortunately,

are no longer as in sync with the environment as they once were.

The detritus of crass commercialism litters the still-magnifi-

cent landscape. Newly constructed and under-construction holi-

day homes for the ‘elite’ and seasonal visitors mar the mountains

who, in their rush to nature, are perhaps unknowingly destroying the very environmental beauty they profess to seek.

It is difficult to ascertain exactly where the blame for this ruin-

ation of grandeur lies. Having turned their backs on subsistence

agriculture, indigenous residents have long become accustomed

to living off the fat of the tourist trade, given the absence of other forms of employment. Meanwhile, the tourist trade has increased

in recent years as foreign travel, with its post-9/11 difficulties, is

now too expensive for many of those who used to indulge in this luxury. With Swat and some other traditional tourist havens still

viewed as ‘no go’ areas, the Galiyat region, so accessible from the plains, serves as a scenic magnet for those in search of a break.

All of this is perfectly understandable, of course. Local people reap the financial rewards, tourists have a whale of a time but the price, for both sectors, is coming home to roost.

monkey

Thanks to tourists, people have become monkey magnets in Galiyat

business TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY ZAHRAH NASIR

Hand in hand with the disease of new buildings and ram-

shackle extensions, is the impact of larger than life advertising.

Slogans can be seen painted directly on buildings and rocks or

splashed across intrusive billboards hoisted high in the air, marring the mountainside at regular intervals. Many of these are

pects to breathe.

distinctly like bullet holes. Then, as is only to be expected from

them currently threatening to slide into oblivion, thanks to

Largely non-biodegradable, it is building up season after season,

cal households, hotels, restaurants, shops, picnickers and is

defaced with offensive graffiti and, here and there, what look a population severely lacking civic sense, there is the garbage.

poisoning the ground and exuding toxic chemicals into the supposedly ‘fresh’ air that everyone living or visiting the region ex-

52 38 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Not immediately visible on the switchback roads — some of

inferior construction — this garbage, which emanates from lothoughtlessly tossed out from bus and car windows, forms huge carpets of disease-laden filth and tumbles, in cascades of multi-

Rhesus macaque monkeys in the forests was fairly small, since

the natural environment is only capable of adequately support-

ing a certain number. These mountain dwelling monkeys, in-

telligent as they are, tended to steer clear of direct interaction with humans. They did, however, take full advantage of places

where anything even remotely edible may have been dumped.

Over the years, the monkeys have abandoned their forested territory in favour of easy handouts and may even have totally forgotten how to forage for their natural dietary requirements.

Troops of monkeys now hang around any place, predominantly eateries and picnic spots. And people throw, even directly

hand out, food and fizzy drinks to monkeys without realising

that they have a very nasty bite and can be particularly vicious when protecting their young. At the height of the tourist season, the monkeys are thus provided with all the junk and other

‘purchased’ food they can eat. Locals obviously understand the monetary lure of monkeys; some tiny eateries encourage them

to hang around so that tourists will stop, buy their offerings and feed it to the lurking, ever hungry hordes. While this may

sound perfectly harmless, it has set a dangerous trend. When

Switchback road

tourists thin out and then disappear as the season wanes, the

monkeys, deprived of the sustenance they have come to take for granted, first stalk and then pounce on every potential food

source on two legs that they happen to see. If their selected target happens to be carrying a bag or is wearing a flowing chador then…watch out!

Yet another aspect to the ‘monkey factor’ is that, since these

sss

monkeys have migrated to human territory, the animals which, in the manner of all natural food chains, traditionally prey on

them are faced with an ever-diminishing menu. Leopards, wild dogs, foxes, jackals, finding it harder to fill their stomachs, are having to search for alternative nourishment in order to survive

and so are, quite understandably, turning more and more towards raiding human habitations where livestock and chickens

can be found. This, in turn, increasingly deters indigenous peo-

Waiting for handouts coloured plastic, down precipitous slopes. Here, it is rummaged

ples from investing in replacement animals and poultry. What

is the point of spending good money on something which may quickly end up as food for hungry wildlife?

In this way, and many others, the entire environmental, eco-

through, picked over and further dispersed by wildlife and wind.

logical and sociological balance of the Galiyat region is being

authorities seem to care.

many years down the line that people discover that there isn’t

The result is sickening yet neither the general public nor the local

There is another rising menace — although visitors certainly

do not view it as such and neither do the few local ‘entrepreneurs’ who profit from it. Not many years ago, the population of

destroyed. If allowed to continue unchecked, it will not be too a single reason left for them to visit the ruined remains of what

was once as pristine a place as it is possible to get in an easily accessible region of a vastly overpopulated country.A

39 53 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

REVIEW

lights, camera, screams!

BY NOMAN ANSARI

I’d like to apologise to the couple seated next to me for my shrill, girlish screams while watching this movie in the cinema. However, in my defence, the entire hall resounded with the screams of people watching Paranormal Activity 3.

The two psychological tools the film uses most to deliver its frights are ‘anticipation’ and, its close mate, ‘dread’. The movie starts with long and absorbing sequences where little happens in way of action, aside from the subtle scares, but later progresses to full blown frights, some of which are good enough to leave audiences grabbing their seats till their knuckles turn a shade lighter.

Directed by newcomers Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, who previously worked together on the thrilling documentary Catfish in 2010, this movie thrives on old-school psychological horror.

Smart camcorder work, quite similar to its previous installments, followed by some very good editing, make the movie a good watch.

The cast, despite some of them bearing the tag of newcomers, do justice to their roles as well.

The plot is standard fare; a haunted house with the usual eerie happenings and its unsuspecting inhabitants. Wedding video maker Dennis (Chris Smith), who lives with his girlfriend Julie (Lauren

sufis, syeds and saints

BY AQSA IJAZ

Who are we? The quest for identity has always been one of the most haunting questions for the human mind. In his autobiographical essays Khujwa Recollected, Dr Akbar Naqvi, a distinguished art historian and critic, puts together the missing pieces of his identity and tests the meaningfulness of his memory “as a boy who grew up with Khujwa in his heart and soul”.

Recounting the travelling adventures of his ancestors (ahlebait) who finally settled at Khujwa, a village in Bihar, India, Dr Naqvi’s main aim is to record the family history he has gathered from oral stories and the study of Sufi literature. He writes mainly for people who are interested in enlightened Muslim families of the subcontinent and for his children and grandchildren, to connect them to their past.

The author traces his roots back to the late 13th century with the arrival of Syed Jalaluddin Surkhposh (also known as Red Sufi of Bukhara) who travelled to al-Hind in 653 Hijri, at the age of 37 and whose family flourished in the subcontinent. He then delves deeper, exploring the presence of African blood in his family through marriage.

Naqvi relates how his ancestor Ghulam Mohammed, tenth in the line from Surkhposh, got to build Khujwa: “When the daughter of 40 Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb fell seriously ill and the court hakims NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

Bittner) and her two little girls Katie (Katie Featherston) and Kristi Ray (Sprague Grayden), after suspecting a supernatural presence, has his cameras capture strange happenings in the house. Elaborate setups, including a clever oscillating fan contraption manages to capture some of the scenes quite well.

Aside from the ‘found camcorder’ footage, unlike other As a prequel of the other two movies horror films of today, Paranorthis one gets audiences to scream mal Activity 3 presents little gore, even louder. until absolutely necessary. By avoiding excessive carnage, a cliché that plagues the horror genre today, the movie is quite grounded. Although the film is very good at what it does, its narrative and character development is merely serviceable. Unlike a great thriller, like say The Sixth Sense, the film doesn’t have a lasting effect on the minds of audiences. That being said, when it comes to horror films that instantly boost your heartbeat, Paranormal Activity 3 is pretty much the defibrillator of the horror genre.

gave up, the ruler said that if Syed ladies of impeccable birth and virtue prayed for her he would reward them suitably. As a result, Bibi Wadi and her 14 sisters offered to pray for the princess and she was healed.”

Out of gratitude, the emperor gave them 500 acres of land on which Khujwa village was built in the early 18th century.

Later in the book, Naqvi explores the idea of mianlog or ashraf, and gives insight on how the term ‘Syeds’ acquired significance by the time the family came to settle in India.

Particularly heartwarming is the essay titled ‘My Dada’, an account of the author’s connection with his grandfather which is succeeded by an essay about the author’s own childhood in Hajipur. The book concludes with an interesting essay named after the author’s current postal address, detailing his own settlement in Karachi and his life as an art historian and critic.

The essays, good enough to read as standalone pieces, make the organic whole of a life story. On the whole, the book arouses considerable historical interest. a

THE HATER

10 things I hate about ... university life

1 2 3 4 5

BY T PASHA

The university itself. You imagine hushed halls, quiet libraries, and intellectual discussions where people quote “Hamlet”. What you get are fish markets, torn library books and people asking, “Ye Hamlet kaun sa naya banda aa gaya?”

Your department. Seriously, is it too much to ask for a set of couches for the department when the teachers

themselves sit in a room with stuff worth your house’s yearly rent?

The teachers. They will ask you to write an article and will then berate you about how little you know about

writing an article and how you are wasting your parents’ hard-earned money. Then, when you ask for

pointers on better writing, they will tell you that they can only point the way, not give you actual directions to your destination. You can never win.

Fashion. You struggle every morning to wear appropriate clothes, slap some kajal on your puffy eyes and somehow make it to your class where, as you stumble in, you see your other female classmates with smoky

eye makeup, fabulous clothes, and no sign of sleep on their faces.

The boys. Guys strut about as though they are the love children of Brad Pitt and George Clooney — pants

around their hips, huge sunglasses, heavy incomprehensible grunting which pass for words. While they

smoke outside class, their girlfriends do their homework for them.

42 NOVEMBER 13-19 2011

6 7 8 9 10

The girls. Really, just because I’m better than you, is no reason to badmouth me behind my back. It only

shows how much you envy me. It’s not my fault that

you think wearing earrings and form-fitting clothes is anti-feminist.

The drama. Better than Star Plus, and no plastic surgery! You get it all: tears, fights, break-ups, schem-

ing and even revenge. There is no way of getting bored

when you get to witness a fight between a boy, his exgirlfriend, his new girlfriend AND his fiancé.

The projects. All the presentations, assignments and

group projects … it’s like the teachers are pairing you all up and then going back into the staff lounge to place bets on the all-out catfight that is sure to break out.

The cliques. I heard this term in the movie Mean Girls

and was quite fascinated by it all, until I came to my university and got into a clique. Here you have the too-

cool-for-you(but not)s, the A-level crowd, the rejects,

the snobs, the shy/conservatives ones, and then the

ones who really come only once a year and therefore, do not matter.

The experience. You spend four or more years in this

hellhole. You look at the bruises to your ego and the

tears you’ve shed and, as much as you hate to, you have to admit — you actually did learn something, though not necessarily what you paid to study. a