20th February 2011 - Lounge Weekly - Pakistan Today

Contents

10 30

All that glitters

Style spotting with Ammar Belal

Fashion A touch of grace

37

31

Profile: Ayesha F Hashwani

38

Opinion poll: Basant

40

Interview: Tina Sani

Progressive pants

43

42

Star Rivalries

44

Films: Sequel shower

46 Documentary: Children of Taliban Cuisine: Malee’s Café 48 49 Taroscope Glamstock 50 Editor Injila Baqir Zeeshan Sub Editors Fatima Zehra Naqvi Sahar Iqbal Creative Head Babur Saghir Graphic Designers Javeria Mirza Sana Ahmed Atif Rafi Photographer Mohammad Amir Baba

30 I February 20 - 26, 2011

Ayesha Farooq Hashwani has fused sophistication, class, modernity and style in her latest clothes line. She has used different soothing and mesmerising colour combinations in her dresses

and

created

some unique, compelling patterns in her designs.

With chic cuts and stylish embroidery on an array of chiffons and linen, she has created indecisively a masterpiece collection.

DESIGNER: Ayesha Farooq Hashwani PHOTOGRAPHY: Fayyaz Ahmed HAIR & MAKEUP: Asma Zuberi @ Depilex MODEL: Aamina Sheikh TEXT: Sahar Iqbal

g in th ig b t x e n e th – AFH

Profile

A

CARMA in New Delhi, India in design epitomising glamour and 2010. That same year, Ayesha also sophistication with a definitive launched the AFH label at lead western aesthetic. in 8 dio Stu ress ing fashion add With three distinct lines unDubai and was also well received t prê ely der the AFH brand nam at the Labels - Etihad Fashion a porter, semi formal and formal Show for honourable charity Dewear, even the most eastern envelopments in Literacy staged in semble of AFH, maintains a modKarachi. Between 2009 – 2010, ern western edge to it. she was present at multiple sucAyesha’s collections are based cessful events in Dubai at multi in a diversity of rich fabrics inbrands boutique Soirée. In Pakicluding voiles, chiffons, silks and stan, she showcased the latest colcharmeuse; she particularly enlection at the Veet Celebration of joys working with sheer fabrics, Beauty Fashion Show to popular beads and crystals and has come acclaim as well as staged several to be recognised for her work sold out prêt a porter based exhiacross varied shapes, flowy fabrics bitions. and her attention to detail.

Indeed AFH continues to be sha Aye Internationally, by celebrities and keen foloutfits. ni exhibited her prêt a worn hwa Has has nd bra ’s sha Aye Today ers of fashion alike. And is goat a sold out event at the low ter por rewith us mo ony syn be next big thing! come to be us multi brand boutique ing to tigio pres each with ry luxu and finement

F. yesha Hashwani has been designing since with 2005, launch the of her label, aesthetic is ign des AFH. Her rs’ ability igne des the coveted for colour cut, with ent to experim tering flat ting crea tte and silhoue its for wn kno also is styles. AFH jew the of n ctio odu intr signature h bot ss acro e klin nec ed el encrust prêt a porter and formal wear in Pakistan. The designer has won l acclaim for the use of minima eful grac te crea to ent embellishm

February 20 - 26, 2011 I 37

Lend us your ears

Lounge carried out a survey on the controversial Basant Festival.

Since time immemorial, Basant has been celebrated in flying colours to welcome the onset of Spring. It has been an integral part of Lahore’s culture. People from all over, from inside and beyond Pakistan, come to celebrate the festival which is also associated with kite-flying. But over the years, due to the use of glass-coated strings etc, many an innocent lives have been lost as people engage in kite flying competitions. The Punjab government, therefore, decided to put a complete ban on the celebration of Basant. Many think it is a culture lost, and long to celebrate the festival. While, others think the ban is justified. What do you think?

T sp his t los irit is ified b co t an of t be at an T of mm d i he caus som is j he ba the ercia t ha festi e t e le usm nne glas lise s b val he vel. wi ent d to s-coa d. Teen has true ra th p sho o. ted he com be ba ther rope uld How stri pro ple en Ta nni tha r sa or eve ng du tely NU yyab ng th n c fety gani r, t shou ction B ST a M em omp mea se he ld b let sur fest gov e Sch u s i n on . ely es iva ern af, ool e s , ls s

Basant should be allowed in some sort of a controlled and safe Apart environment. from being fun, it was a source of income for many.

Ahlam Saeed LUMS

Compiled by Bushra Shehzad

e Th t e n i on a- r o very at B ou so g p e th of is stin to id is rt ne a try vo nd r pa ct, o e-w lso as a ople i h ic m l o a tim a h pe wh p in tiva his f his ould suc e fesee fes e t te t sh ity, Th is o k our spit bra she sibil ng. e th hy t s t i t e e ed ot , d cel or on str ra eal ne is n . If to he resp ed eleb a h lge e n t t c s u an ltur erat l the ome -coa to it a ind s u s c esp iva p s las ant ake an ill.

It’s d est e u g w t th r k oss l y l f ak g o uld r fo p sim , s e v t sin o d ho the st li s u o i s u h l s ra lu c i e e r r p u t l f o w va e the oq ri cu ngs as o h a L i s Ye s, ti am in ro far a re other th ey are s a d g g Fa n a h a T e ban r . e is th th nt ted in ira ab ty d then being neglec ation as Basa the i j e n s H fied. r sti e n ju r c lly s rv is tota con hich are Pu nive such a af prese ss of lo e th g in well w ch in need o istorical sitesor the Badshites, us U It was ca s u h d a l l , i m a e It l r s a nt lives. woul itectu hahi Q examp so many innoce sBa w lo is, for -e-Pakistan, S are our arch al to e an have been inhum y accidents assoMinar sque. These horoughly on. an hi Mo have been t d preser vati a ant despite so m is felt that it is a e h it f e c If i o n wh ciated with it. vexcuse ed and en may be the go th re neglect not need an results in ltu cu of ss lo in arrange Basant We do l which only ue to ernment should ific open area, festiva ent deaths d ec sp some sort of a innoc t. be allowed t n’ ld but it shou neglec Arshad otherwise.

Samiya ons) BSc(H nology, Ahmed Muneeb h c e t io B LUMS GCU

feburary 20 - 26, 2011

Interview

Come Spring with Tina Sani

By Rubia Moghees

T

he spring is just sitting in, so it was act that Tina Sani, the ‘Bahaar Aai’ girl visited Lahore.

Making waves for a quarter of a century, Tina Sani revives her association with the illustrious Faiz as she aims to enthrall audiences with her enchanting voice.

Set to meet Tina Sani at the historic Faizghar in Model Town, with her entourage of musicians rehearsing with her for the upcoming performance to commemorate the 100 years of Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s birth celebrations, surrounding me were the memorabilia related to the celebrated Pakistani 40 I February 20 - 26, 2011

poet: his manuscripts, photographs, medals and the backdrop of all that, the delightful rehearsals that were taking place.

Recognised for Classical and SemiClassical singing, her forte however always been ghazal gayeki, ever since her first break when she sang ‘Meray Dil Meray Musafir’ for Faiz’s first death anniversary, the journey for Tina Sani has led her from being a celebrated singer who has avidly entertained the masses with her soulful renderings. She is taken as one of the most versatile ghazal singers of the region, coming of age her voice still bears that serenity that we all remember from the 80s.

In an exclusive interview for Pakistan Today’s Lounge, Tina Sani, who has come to the city to pay homage

to great poet Faiz Ahmad Faiz, delves into her past, present and her prospects for future. Her illustrious career spans 25 years as she has successfully managed to create her own sphere of enthusiasts.

Early years

Till the age of 22, music didn’t feature in her life when a sudden opening landed her into a studio to lend her voice for a jingle. “Music found me! Becoming a singer was never part of my conscious career plan. It actually happened to me, a very casual first performance became a runaway hit that caught me unawares,” she reminisces.

Arshad Mehmood who had composed a nazm of Faiz asked her to sing it, which provided her the platform that led her to believe in herself, to speak

After a break of 21 years, Tina Sani has recorded an album for the Faiz Foundation to commemorate the poet’s centenary celebrations. This album is titled ‘Bahaar Aai’ and is due to be released in Pakistan, India and worldwide at the end of this month

up and to rise against injustice – “poetry with a cause”.

Memorable Moments

Performing in Zagreb, Croatia in 2003 has been one of the highlights of her career. “Without knowing much about the language that I was singing in, the audience gave me a standing ovation,” she reveals enthusiastically.

“This changed my entire perspective as I experienced complete bonding with my audience.”

Tina’s breathtaking performances in her live concerts are a must see treat for her fans for she never misses a beat to capture their hearts. She has this uncanny capacity to connect to the masses while she performs her much loved works of Faiz and Iqbal.

Association with Faiz

“I have never met Faiz but became known because of him,” she enthuses.

It’s the inimitable hits like ‘Bahaar Aai’ and ‘Bol Ke Lab Azad Hain’ that her name soon found her way in the coveted list of singers known for their classical rendition of Urdu poetry.

“As a singer what I am today is largely because of the soul-stirring poetry of Faiz, who gave me a sense of direction,” she comments.

Making Faiz’s ghazals as her own, transforming his poignant poetry that stimulates life in the verses has been a milestone achievement in her life.

“One requires time and commitment for mutually composing ghazals. It’s tedious as we need to sit down for hours, sometimes days, to come up with quality work, not to mention the nerve-wrecking rehearsals”, she explains.

Teachers

Tina Sani formally learnt classical music from Ustad Nizammuddin Khan of Delhi Gharana and Ustad Chand Amrohvi. Tina is indebted to maestros like Arshad Mehmood, Nisar Bazmi, Waqar Ali and Rohail Hayat from the younger lot and stalwarts like Sultan Siddiqui, Sahira Kazmi, Shezad Khalil, and Kh Najam-ul-hassan from Pakistan Television.

Tina has immense passion for Urdu poetry which she has mastered over the years so much so that she leaves her audience in a trance wanting for more.

In the new times when pop, bhangra, rap and fast tracks are ruling the roost, Classical singing acts as a buffer for the ardent followers of this genre.

Coke Studio

Tina finds the concept of Coke Studio as something ‘extraordinary’.

“I was quite comfortable with the western instruments and sang ‘Agar Mujhe Iss Ka Yaqeen Ho’ that received raving reviews.”

Tina Sani today

“I am a crossover between a narrator and a melody-maker, half singing and other half vocal expression,” she explains. Tina is vociferous about the needs of the artists in Pakistan. “Now the artists must get their act together with the advent of so many channels; the artist community should safeguard their identity and protect their rights.”

Inspiring generations for over many years encompassing an unwavering fan base comes only with consistent hard work and perseverance.

Not to mention the remarkable talent that this s u p re m e l y gifted lady possesses.

Current projects

After a break of 21 years, Tina has recorded an album for the Faiz Foundation to commemorate the poet’s centenary celebrations. This album is titled as ‘Bahaar Aai’ and is due to be released in Pakistan, India and worldwide at the end of this month. Presently, “I am also working on Molana Rumi’s ‘Masnavi ’translated in Urdu by Mohammad Younus Sethi,” she discloses about her forthcoming projects.

February 20 - 26, 2011 I 41

Style Savvy

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Compiled by ShahBano Khan

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20 - 26, 2011 44 I February

February 2 0 - 26, 2011 I 45

Documentary

Children of the Taliban

By Bushra Shehzad

T

he Daily Mail has described it as “a seriously worrying report”. ‘Children of the Taliban’, an Emmy-winning film made by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Dan Edge, takes us on a journey into the heart of the Taliban infested areas of Pakistan. The film tells us the narrative of the children; the innocent and yet the hardest hit party in the War on Terror.

For them it is a future lost.

She interviews two teenage boys who are best friends. One of them relates the horrific episode of burying a cousin’s leg – the only body part they could find of him – after a madrassa was hit by Pakistan Army bombardments and American missiles. One supports the Pakistan Army, one supports Al-Qaeda. Despite their friendship, they say they would not hesitate to kill the other if they come face to face on the battlefield. They vow to live up to their cause.

As she makes her journey through this dangerous terrain, she discovers a 14-year-old boy who has already learnt to blow off a suicide car bomb. He tells her if God is willing he will definitely blow himself up amidst the infidels, may God give him the strength to do this noble act.

In Swat, she meets two little girls, vulnerable and with fear in their eyes.

They yearn to go to school but they know deep down, they would not be

sent to the school again. One of them tells Sharmeen that her father has bought her a burqa and soon they would be forced to don it. The other girl tells her, “Education is a ray of light, and I want that light.” While she interviews the girls at the demolished school premises, they hear mortar sounds in the background and leave without a tour of the school.

Sharmeen then talks to another little girl, Kainat, who relates the horrific treatment that the Taliban had meted out to some people in their area. While she gives us gruesome details, we wonder what trauma this hardly 10-year-old might be going through. “The Taliban beheaded a man and put his head between his legs and posted a sign on it: Whoever buries him will be meted out with the same fate.”

This docudrama then takes us to Karachi, into its highly Talibanised slums.

She interviews a different pupil and the qari of a madrassa. The qari talks about “glorifying the suicide bombers” and while he thinks the camera is switched off, he ruthlessly laughs about these children who are brainwashed to become suicide bombers, saying “there is no shortage of these sacrificial lambs”.

A madrassa pupil talks to Sharmeen and makes her views of Islam known to us. A brutal analogy that he makes is about women. According to him, the shariah tells the women to cover themselves and remain in the four walls of the house and he believes it should be implemented just like the ban on the use of plastic bags is enforced. While millions of Muslims around the

world are fighting to portray a positive image of Islam, this is what the youth is being taught and made to believe in.

The film was premiered at the 5th Annual LUMS Film Festival (FiLUMS 2011) at a star studded red-carpet event.

During the Q and A session at the end of the screening, Usman Peerzada described it as a powerful film, which is an eye-opener for all of us. Amidst this fight between the Taliban and the Pakistan Army as well as the US forces, it is these children who are losing the most: their childhood, their futures.

And Sharmeen’s film brings us face to face with the people who are involved in the struggle.

February 20 - 26, 2011 I 46

quick prey to le youngsters fall ab er ln Vu e. siv as me m es associated their use has beco e too many activiti ar at e th er le Th ib . ss em ce th ac t y thou l that is fashnow so easil or university life wi associated with al e ge ar lle s leasure drugs are co ug e dr in re ag su im ea pl impossible to e trend is that the them. It is almost On top of that, th w. no rrender to s ug dr e es successful. They su at th t with the use of th no e ar rs he l. bly fall into them, ot of a status symbo them. They inevita to steer clear from nd e ou ag ar an s m ionable and mark es rs tn te wi gs they g willed youn ant drug culture e cases.

While some stron re and the domin su es ng fatalities in som pr di their rehabilier clu pe in s of ct fe im ef ct e vi rs a ve e fficulties as far as ad m di e us th do m en fro and beco m r tre ffe su th ced wi lack of healthy d consequently Pakistan, we are fa kistan, due to the in Pa s In ct . di ar severe addiction an ad ye ug ch dr ea for life. wasted g number of sources are being n mar their health re ca of ich r With the ever risin be wh m at nu th e s rg rd towa cal name for e concerned. A la strated, digressing ocaine. Charas (lo C fru d e an m co sh be tating activities ar hi s as ha H , h to and helped e Ecstasy tivities, our yout ion has given rise our generation ar at rt of rs po te ns gs and recreational ac tra un er yo rd e s bo drugs in th d Nepal. The cros The most common Pakistan, India an , an ist an gh Af in e Hash) is hand mad urish. flo s es sin bu the drug

P

TS ial SHORTtoTrtEioRnMs inEFpeFErcCeption of time, colour and spat

• Dis being. feeling of well or ia boundaries. or ph eu y like, fuzz • A dream excitement. le laughter and ab ic hunger.

• Inexpl tite or sudden pe ap d se ea cr • An in a. t resulting in cks or paranoi ch and though • Panic atta ee sp , n io at n coordi • Impaired accidents. at. make judgeouth and thro y and ability to • Dried m or em m rm te short • Impaired ment.

fiq

By Rabia Sha

S d women.

LONG TEucRedMleEveFlsFofEChoTrmones in men an . en and women

• Red in both m loss of fertility ry ra po m Te • depression.

• Chronic e. . cy ational Syndrom • Impoten own as ‘Motiv kn n io at iv ot • Loss of m ing Hashish) age (from smok m da g n Lu • . negative immune system situations and t ul • Weakened ic ff di h it to deal w • Inability cents. thoughts. owth in adoles gr al n io ot em • Delayed ncer. st in life.

• Risk of ca d lack of intere an es su is t en • Adjustm

RUGS RID YOUheRlpSinEgLyoF urOseFlfDout of an addictionle:ms

ve prob Steps for cept that you ha ac d an e lis ea self to quit.

• R itment to your m m co a e ak • M essional help. fight the with• Seek prof nd the will to fi , n io at lit bi ha fication.

• During re ving from detoxi lt su re ffering or reco s, om pt you who are su drawl sym d n de ou tu ar ti at le g op n di pe and understan If you know of a sympathetic ve creating opha ds ld ar w ou to sh k ould wor ering, you sh e w y et y recreaci so As a em find health th lp he ill towards them. w es good alternativ the youth which they can find portunities for so ad ce n of s da im un ct in ab es fall vi lv se em th g tional activities in lett ent instead of for entertainm dictions.

feburary 20 - 26, 2011 I 47

Cuisine

Malee’s

One for All

S

By Zaynab Tariq

ituated near Hussain Chowk next to the famous Cinnabon, Malee’s Café is a treat in itself. The café aims at bringing global taste to the local people of Lahore through a diversely assorted menu – an indulgence to peruse. Malee’s Café’s uses the finest ingredients and provides the finest service to their customers. These fundamentals are proof enough that Malee’s has a lot to offer to its customers.

While I waited for their all-so-famous pizza, the staff was kind enough to bring me some cookies – straight out of the oven and nicely done. I couldn’t help having four. My personal favourite was strawberry but the almond and pistachio ones were equally sumptuous.

After devouring the cookies, I waited patiently for my pizza to show up and when it did, believe me it was worth the

wait of the standard fifteen minutes that every pizza eatery requires. Topped with olives, pineapple and corn, the Chicken Supreme pizza was baked to golden, crispy perfection. Another great try is the Malee’s special pizza; but only if you are a seafood fan.

Choosing what to have for dessert was befuddling with an array to choose from. The ice cream was just too tempting. Bounty, White Toblerone, green apple, pomegranate, mango, strawberry, kiwi… there was a delightful variety of twenty-four, including some sugar-free options too – all specially imported from Italy. The attendant informed me that hazelnut and roasted almond was one of their highly popular flavours.

But being a girl, I had to have chocolate to mark a perfect ending to a perfect

meal and so I did. I settled for caked Alaska which turned out to be absolutely, perfectly yummy!

From sizzling pizzas to tasty smoothies to wonderfully brewed coffees, Malee’s has it all.

The wonderful interior of the place and the amiable staff add to its charm.

The ambiance of Malee’s is compelling; with the bakery items neatly stashed, beautifully packaged and the tempting aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air. Prices are reasonable considering in mind the taste, atmosphere and location. Malee’s is the place to go to if you are looking for good quality food – highly recommended.

45 feburary 20 - 26, 2011 I 48

feburary 20 - 26, 2011 I 49

Glamstock

You can get them from Essentials, Haroons and Accessorize, Lahore.

50 I February 20 - 26, 2011