Contents
All that Glitters
10
Sara Shahid: A woman of ‘sublime’ flair 18 Style Spotting with Ammar Belal
22
Fashion: Royal East
23
Massarat’s makeover
28
How to stay in style
30
A decade of cinematic excellence
33
Down the music lane
36
The year of fear
40
Top stories of 2010
43
Taroscope 48 Glamstock 50
Editor Injila Baqir Zeeshan Sub Editors Fatima Zehra Naqvi Sahar Iqbal Creative Head Babur Saghir Graphic Designers Javeria Mirza Sana Ahmed Mian Nasir Photographer Mohammad Amir Baba
23 East Royal
Sara Shahid
A woman of ‘sublime’ flair
‘My winter collection is based on nude shades, camel brown, gold and black. We have reduced the volumes and have done a lot more fitted long jackets, lightly embellished, with an emphasis on the cuts’
S
By Sahar Iqbal
ara Shahid, the creator of ‘Sublime’, is one of those designers who are considered as forerunners in the promotion of the prêt. A graduate in fashion merchandising and design, Sara’s designs are known for their unique, simple and clean silhouettes. Sara focuses not only on colour combinations but also unique and different cuts that accentuate feminine elegance. Lounge had a heart-to-heart with Sara Shahid.
Q. Tell us the success story behind Sublime. A. This label has been my journey of the past seven years. My optimism encouraged me to create something unprecedented and unique. The business was at a very limited scale initially. My clientele was limited but within six months I got a marvellous response. Within a year, I decided to invest on a larger scale. I bought a shop and reinvested my money which was steadily gaining popularity and fame. Since then there has been no looking back. Q. What’s your brand all about? A. The brand is based on beautiful cuts, a fusion of classic and contemporary. I try to bring versatility and diversity to my work. The key feature is to maintain the
With her kids
‘In 2011, I feel we will be moving towards a slightly more fitted silhouette, away from the voluminous styles. I would like to keep the length moderate as I feel very short shirts are neither flattering nor feminine. The long, flowing silhouette is definitely very feminine and generally looks good on most body types’
balance between the design and the cuts that I create. I am not the face of my label, it’s my work which speaks for the label itself.
stead of getting uncomfortable around the people you cannot work with, you should silently detach yourself from them; it will surely save you from hassle.
Q. You moved to Pakistan from Switzerland. Did you face any obstacles in adjusting to the culture here? A. This was an excellent opportunity for me to make good friends in both societies. My parents were very particular about our bonding with our roots; it was better for me as I have developed the prospective of two different cultures. Fusion of both societies has developed a sense of nationality, belonging, tolerance and compassion in my personality. My parents always taught me to respect those who are my strength and to whom I am associated with.
Q. The business you are in is full of challenges. Do you feel that you have been able to cope with them? A. I think life is all about facing new challenges. The cost of making an outfit has increased drastically. I have to take care of my workers too. Overall it is not easy to work nowadays.
Q. What difficulties did you face as a woman entrepreneur? A. It’s very difficult to run a business on your own in a male-dominated society. However, this social trend has changed a lot recently. I believe that in-
Q. How was your experience in the recent fashion weeks/shows? A. I participated with much enthusiasm in the show held in Karachi. My fabrics and the designs were stylish and classic with minimalist patterns. I also won an award. Q. Do you change your designs for your clients? A. I have never changed my designs for any client. The colour combination and the designs that I come up with de-
pend on my mood. I always give them my best. I believe in quality and not quantity. Q. Being a mother, how do you maintain a balance between the two roles? A. It sounds very difficult but I manage to juggle my personal and professional lives. It takes its toll on me but I don’t want or let either affect the other. I have ups and downs in my life but with the help of a supportive husband and family, I always rise above the situation and conquer the problem. So it does not only depend entirely on me but also on my family. Q. Have you done anything for women? A. ‘Sublime Women Entrepreneur’ is our project for women who are talented and in need of money. It has helped a lot of women learn tailoring skills and then continue their lives with dignity by becoming an earning hand in their families. January 09 - 15, 2011 I 19
With Farishteh Aslam
‘Sublime Divine is my formal winter collection for the wedding season with major concentration on evening wear. The wedding collection is in deep hues of gold, deep red, fuchsia and plum. The embroideries are done in a very traditional way keeping the silhouette more modern and with emphasis on the cut’
Q. What are the dominant characteristics of your winter collection? A. I have recently shown my latest collection called La Vie Sublime in Karachi; my winter collection is based on nude shades, camel brown, gold and black. We have reduced the volumes and have done a lot more fitted long jackets, lightly embellished, with an emphasis on the cuts. We have used a lot of lace and sequence fabrics to add subtle hints of glamour and femininity. Sublime Divine is my formal winter collection for the wedding season with major concentration on evening wear. The wedding collection is in deep hues of gold, deep red, fuchsia and plum. The embroideries are done in a very traditional way keeping the silhouette more modern and with emphasis on the cut. Q. What are your fashion predictions for 2011? A. I feel we will be moving towards a slightly more fitted silhouette, away from the voluminous styles. I would like to keep the length moderate as I feel very short shirts are neither flattering nor feminine. The long, flowing silhouette is definitely very feminine and generally looks good on most body types. However, we will move to a more body-conscious look, keeping it soft for spring/summer 2011. Q. What future do you envisage for the Pakistani fashion industry? A. In the last ten years, people have become more aware of fashion trends – a development that is a source of motivation for our industry. Last year I observed the amiability of international press towards our country’s fashion scene that gave an immense boost to the confidence and sense of patriotism of all working in this field. Q. Any message for our readers? A. We should contribute and give back in every way and in every form. I feel that we all have a capacity to bring positive change; we should use this potential in a way that we are remembered and praised. 20 I January 09 - 15, 2011
22 I January 09 - 15, 2011
The collection personifies the quintessential royal hues of a traditional sub-continental woman’s attire. The vibrant magenta, deep emerald, intense ultramarine and midnight blue define femininity in graceful glory.
Model: Amna Sheikh Hair & Make up: Nighat Misbah @ Depilex Photographer: Rizwan ul Haq Outfits: Deepak Pervani Text: Fatima Zehra Naqvi
Massarat’s makeovers
M
assarat Misbah is a very talented beautician. She has the ability to transform any face to make it look appealing and charming. Her magical touch can do wonders for any woman belonging to any age group. Lounge brings you makeovers of real women and not just fashion models.
We begin by cleansing the face with the help of moisturiser and cleansing lotion. A thorough massage clears the pores.
Steam opens the pores of the nose. Cotton is placed on the eyes to protect them from steam.
After makeover
Blackheads are removed with a blackhead needle.
Vitamin E mask is applied to freshen up the face.
You are invited!
to send in your picture with a few words about yourself and you can
WIN A FREE MAKEOVER Mask is removed with the help of a sponge and the face is rinsed clean with water.
28 I January 09 - 15, 2011
to be featured in this column. Just write to us on: lounge@pakistantoday.com.pk
in
Sarah Mansoor highlights the trends of 2010, taking them forward into what will continue to rule and what will be discarded in 2011
How to
Stay style
‘Long shirts would remain in fashion for the next two years at least, as women towards the heavier side, find them very useful making a glorious style statement to blend in with their physiques.’ Kamiar Rokni
30 I January 09 - 15, 2011
W
e are living in a decade of beautiful apex fusions, highest fashionable styles and intricate patterns – can you believe that everything is in now? Trends come and go, leaving us anxious each season. Every year we get rid of old, useless items from our wardrobe and spend a great amount of money and energy brainstorming about what to fill in them. Fashion, is most addictive and transforms an average woman into a world-class diva. It is an attitude that will never go outdated. I have personally really enjoyed the last decade. It has been a fusion of modern, vintage, traditional, eastern, western, ethnic, and all genres of style. I can carry my grandmother’s clutch, fish for a nice trendy tunic in my teenager sister’s closet, pair it with any of my denims, put on my mother’s 20-year-old sapphire pendant and still make a powerful statement. The 2010 western fashion trends had brought smiles to everyone’s faces as the modern interpretation of the wild, wild West looked fabulous, wild and contemporary. On the other hand, the cuts and designs of casual daywear and party tops came with a blend of medium and long lengths. They had lots of layers, floral as well as striped patterns, but mostly in a single colour. Brands like Zara, D&G, Mango, Topshop, Paul&Joe and some high-end stores focused on flowy loose fitted tops and tunics incorporated with ethnic embroideries, a subtle bling factor with ruffled sleeves, necklines and borders. Cotton, chiffon, silk and stretchy materials were a preference for designers and buyers all year long. Both long and short skirts became famous this year. Where tights and leggings made a comeback two years ago, they are still in high demand and spotted on the streets of New York and London. In addition, T-shirts and collar-designed uppers were mostly preferred for office wear, paired with a cardigan or coat.
Velvet has made a comeback and looks breathtaking with a pair of skinny jeans and cashmere scarf. It will complete the look on any chilly evening out. So don’t take too much time thinking, “Will it suit me?” Just get hold of it immediately Jumpsuits and hanky dresses were like a breath of fresh air for working women who could wear them with belts and drapes to work. They looked elegant, classy and very alluring; perfect to make a startling corporate impression. In 2011, perhaps there would be a little emphasis on shorter lengths and eastern cuts. Heavy embellishments and traditional threadwork will be the rage. Red, aqua, lavender pink, purple and neutral shades were the favourite during spring/summer 2010. This year, ivory, emerald green and shades of purple will continue to rule. Western outfits have a few dominant characteristics. The 2010 fall/ winter all over the globe is dictated by leather corsets, long skirts, leather boots and again fringes to give us all a vintage look. Leather corsets, denim pants and vests are paired with cartoon printed Tshirts and accessories. Drape cardigans and velvet coats are mandatory in this chilly season where a long black velvet coat or a royal blue cardigan looks spectacular. Velvet has made a comeback and looks breathtaking with a pair of skinny jeans and cashmere scarf. It will complete the look on a chilly evening out. So don’t take too much time thinking, “Will it suit me?” Just get hold of it immediately. Velvet is going to be a designers’ favourite in formal, semi formal clothes as well as bridals. Inspired from the west, it will be mostly used on the bodice of a shirt with gold threadwork or on the dupatta. Chiffons, silks, floral, polka and jamawar are the necessary fabrics that are used in both seasons. The vibrant colours and creative
cuts made 2010 a successful year for fashion. The revival of previous vintage designs made it much easier for every woman to look stunning. In the winter 2010/2011 black, grey, coffee brown and royal blue will steal the show. For those who do not get a chance to travel abroad more frequently, the summer and winter clothes are easily available at local stores like Crossroads, Stoneage, Outfitters, Breakout, Levis and Khadi Khaas. The Pakistani fashion industry has strived hard to make an international impact with successful fashion shows and display of eastern collections in stores and on the runway in 2010. “We need to emphasise on our Pakistani cuts to make an impression in the global market,” says Feeha Jamshed of Teejays. She will focus more on A- line kurtas and gharara pants next year. Pishwas came around in the beginning of 2010 and is here to stay for another year as she suggests. “Fitted medium length shirts with shalwars, chooridars and harem pants are the next year’s most fashionable style statement,” Feeha concludes. The prints in the summer consisted of chiffon dupattas and embroidered lawn suits. Not only was the fabric soft, embroidered borders incorporated with each set of clothes m a d e it easy for us to get them fashionably stitched. Aqua blue, pink, red and purple were again the highlighted
colours in our fashion market. Kamiar Rokni in one of his radio shows said, “Long shirts would remain in fashion for the next two years at least, as women towards the heavier side, find them very useful making a glorious style statement to blend in with their physiques.” Mariam Ejaz, another fashion designer used many kaftans and multi-layered tunics in her semi-formal summer collection this year, and now she wants to give her clients something unique to follow this fall. Her philosophy of using velvet incorporated with eastern
and western cuts is steadfast but she also says, “Medium and long lengths are both equally trendy for next year. It will mostly depend on the height, figure and personal preference of my clients. I will not impose anything on them, as by the end of this year and in 2011, almost every cut and style will be in fashion.” The winter season in Pakistan is a reflection of the wedding hype and excitement. Sundas Manan of Rouge predicts, “For this season and the next, the traditional look of the jorda is going to be a bride’s personification. Red will remain the foremost preference; a fusion of white, olive green and orange is the
‘Fitted medium length shirts with shalwars, chooridars and harem pants are the next year’s most fashionable style statement.’ Feeha Jamshed of Teejays
32 I January 09 - 15, 2011
next most desired colour combination.” The embellishments are going to be heavy yet delicately designed with more emphasis on the cut, tones and add-ons. Pearls and stones are my favourite this time and I think nothing can add more elegance and spark on a semi-formal and bridal outfit. I say forget the dabkas and the loud bling jhatkas of zari for some time. For formals, let’s choose a good colour combination complementing our skin tone, mix it
with unique fabric patterns of jamawar, thick embroidered borders or even Thai raw silk/ikat prints and add a pearly touch to the dress. Now that you are aware of the trends and styles, head out wearing these beautiful and chic apparels and make heads turn.
A decade of
cinematic excellence
Shahbano Khan explores a decade of film making, where things have been moving ever faster to newer heights of excellence
“Although for some people cinema means something superficial and glamorous, it is something else. I think it is the mirror of the world.” Jeanne Moreau inema is a global phenomenon. In our era, the power and influence of cinema has touched all corners of the world. Movies move us emotionally: they amaze us, fascinate us, inspire us, provoke us, summon the intense sentiments of sadness, happiness and anger, elevate us or else shatter our preconceived notions. All in all, movies leave an impact that makes the brain cells work overtime. The root of cinema lies in plays and dances from the past. Each has separate elements which share common characteristics like scripts, sets, direction, and production holding the purpose of entertainment. Cinema has come a long way since the first movie called ‘The Roundhay Garden Scene’ 1888 and seen the course of the world and time change drastically. Sparked with the Silent Era and a few shots of one minute long movies, cinema gradually transformed to black and white with dialogue and eventually colour. It evolved into the greatest tool of entertainment and communication by creating a part of the dream world on celluloid, so the masses could escape the daily hassles of life. Different ages have seen different film cultures. The 40s saw war time propaganda in films and, as it moved forward realistically moving photos, was enough for the production and a mega industry to boom. American Companies cranked up production and gave an origin to Hollywood. Post classical cinema marked with increased globalisation of the medium known as cinema, motion pictures, film or the movies witnessed an influx of a variety of movies because of more personal vision, creative insight and financial freedom to produce films. The happenings of a particular time have had a great weight on the subject matter of the movies produced during an age. Cold War shaped Hollywood’s ‘Rambo’, ‘Maula Jutt’ took
C
January 09 - 15, 2011 I 33
over Pakistani cinemas and Bollywood carved the identity of an angry young man with Amitabh Bachan in movies like ‘Muqadar Ka Sikandar’. Our generation’s form of communication is expressed multi-dimensionally, thus most of the entertainment is delivered in the same fashion. With technological advancements, resources, finances, aspiring directors and a bigger crew, film making has become an art. It’s the most popular form of visual art because of the realistic aspect of escape. The last ten years have seen extraordinary shifts in the way films are made. Instead of merely providing a getaway, the subject matter is about sensitive topics. Cinema has explored controversial topics like widespread sexual liberation, the acceptance of and desensitisation to violence and the decline of societal manners. These topics have been immensely thought provoking and breathtaking. The last decade was an eventful year for Hollywood producing amazing films that defined the cinema of the age. Topics like religion, politics, psychology, society etc are now extensively researched because of the liberating idea of a widespread freedom of speech. Different realms of the production are given individual thought and recognition and define the core of stunning visuals, exceptional acting and research on the character so the audience is emo34 I January 09 - 15, 2011
tionally connected to it. Movies like ‘Gladiator’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, ‘Crash’, ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’, ‘Inglorious Bastards’, ‘Gangs of New York’, ‘The Queen’, ‘Munich’ and ‘Hurt Locker’ among others have left a lasting impression. Apart from the awards and critical reviews, these movies have unsurpassed directional and acting skills. The educated audience is left with deriving a moral message from the movie. The long lasting effect is responsible for changed attitudes and changed perceptions about situations and people situated in a distant time yet are familiar to the core. The audience is more aware of this susceptible subject matter that connects to each individual differently. Technological advancements in cinema have taken it forward radically. No longer are cartoons or animated movies just for kids but target the rest of the population as well. ‘Toy Story 3’, ‘The Incredibles’, ‘Waltz with Bashir’and ‘Persepolis’ are exceptional movies with outstanding critical reviews. Breakthrough in 3D technology is a mind boggling experience which has set high standards for human progress. James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ was the most technologically advanced film
made and is the highest grossing film of our time surpassing his last success ‘Titanic’. ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Wall E’, and ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’, ‘Matrix Trilogy’ and ‘Lord of the Rings Trilogy’ are just some of the other movies which have left a great mark on 3D cinema. Moviemaking was considered to be beyond a regular person, but now anyone can make a movie and become a hit in theatres. Reels are no longer used and normal digital cameras can do the same cinema wonders. The educated population wants to see more realistic movies and their preferences for mainstream cinema have changed. Movie making is no longer the forte of big directors like Steven Spielberg and Woody Allen. The DVD boom, faster internet and YouTube have also made it easier to make and distribute movies. Another key trend seen in the past decade is the growth of documentary films as a commercial genre. The audience of today is more informed and well aware of the events shaping our world as we know it because there is a shift to visual simulation from verbal and written. Michael Moore’s ‘Farenheit 9/11’, ‘Man on Wire’, ‘Zeitgeist’, ‘National Geographic’s Earth’ and several others explore broad areas of topics. With increasing globalisation of cinema during this decade, foreign language films have gained popularity in English speaking markets. These movies might not be blockbusters but have achieved popularity. Their recognition and audiences are more perceptive and understand new ideas and new cultures.
Movies like ‘Gladiator’, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, ‘Crash’, ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’, ‘Inglorious Bastards’, ‘Gangs of New York’, ‘The Queen’, ‘Munich’ and ‘Hurt Locker’ among others have left a lasting impression
The most notable of foreign language films are ‘Crouching Tiger’, ‘Hidden Dragon’ (Mandarin), ‘Amelie’ (French), ‘Lagaan’ (Hindi), ‘Spirited Away’ (Japanese), ‘The Passion of Christ’ (Aramaic) and ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ (part Hindi). This popularity has also led to the exchange of expertise, knowledge, skills in the movie industry and has increased opportunities for prospective progress. In contrast to Hollywood our own cinema in our backyard has seen quite tough times. Post partition, the movie industry finally started picking up in Ayub’s golden age for film industry. Zia halted all the efforts with his wave of Islamisation and Censorship. Cinema revival took place under Musharraf’s time. The fact is, our local film industry goes hand in hand with our political, economic and law and order situation coupled with brain drain. After movies like ‘Khuda Ke Liye’, ‘Made in Pakistan’ and ‘Slackistan’ were released, it was thought moviemaking is an upcoming art. However, it couldn’t take off contrary to expectations. Despite the hitch there is an underground vibe and zest for film/documentary making with individual effort and private funding. Pakistani cinema is also a victim of widespread Indian influence and with Indian movies in our local theatres that has gone a step further. Although collaborations between the two countries are
witnessed the Indian cinema is a separate entity with hit movies like ‘Black’, ‘Sarkar’, ‘Raajneeti’, ‘Omkara’, ‘Rang De Basanti’, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Tare Zameen Pe’ getting them international recognition and local following. Art movies and commercial movies are two parallel lines in Indian cinema and directors who have merged the two have been quite successful. Not only that, the Indian film industry is the largest in terms of ticket sales and number of films produced annually. They say with great responsibility comes great power, consequentially cinema and the mammoth size of its influence and the need to have its presence in our everyday mundane lives has led to growing problems like digital distribution, copyrights, content, plagiarism, piracy, content security and enforcing copyright laws. Despite drawbacks, cinema has come a long way from its initia-
tion and truly mirrors the world as we know it. With the industry producing great money, great directors, great actors and great stories, the magic of cinema has taken over every sphere of life having substantial impact on the arts, technology, politics plus our way of lifestyle and our way of understanding the world.
James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ was the most technologically advanced film made and is the highest grossing film of our time surpassing his last success ‘Titanic’. ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, ‘Wall E’, and ‘Star Wars: Attack of the Clones’, ‘Matrix Trilogy’ and ‘Lord of the Rings Trilogy’ are just some of the other movies which have left a great mark on 3D cinema January 09 - 15, 2011 I 35
I’m not much of a fan of Hindi songs, but ‘Munni’ had me giving into ‘Shiela ki Jawani’ this year. You just can’t block out these popular Hindi songs, for they are being played at every wedding you happen to attend
Down the music lane By Bushra Shehzad ists also doing no less of a superb job,
“I
f music be the food of love, play on.” That may have been the opening dialogue of Twelfth Night, but it remains the story of each one of our lives, every day, every moment. When we are sad. When we are happy. When w e need to g r o ove , at a party or a shadi. Music is our lifeline. Year 2010 has been one remarkable year for music, from around the world, and all genres of it included. When it comes to music, and favourites, Pakistani music hardly ever comes to one’s mind. But mind you, our part of the world is oozing with musical talent, with underground bands playing some of the best psychedelic rock I have heard performed by amateurs. And the more mainstream art-
we have been producing great music. Coke Studio is just part of that revolution. Whoever said that Coke Studio was about East meets West, he/she got it all wrong. Coke Studio is about much more. We are not talking here about trying to amalgamate the Western music with what we have to offer. It’s about bringing our own society closer together, transcending all differences of ethnicity and regional barriers. Coke Studio is about speaking one language, the language of music. It brings to one platform the rockinfluenced youth, the folklore, the ghazal and the qawwali and the pop – mix them well, and Viola! You get Coke Studio, a treat on its own, a flavour unique to everyone. With Season 3 making it live to our television sets and radio channels, this year was no less than the previous two seasons. Starting off with the instant hit, ‘Alif Allah’, performed by our very own chimta-maestro, featuring Meesha Shafi, the season churned out great numbers one after the other. ‘Hor Vi Neevan Hon’ saw the Noori brothers perform along with their mother – a marvel of a song. Tina Sani, Sanam Marvi, Fakir Juman and Arieb Azhar, Zeb & Haniya, EP and the Aunty Disco Project were some of the other performers at Season 3, making it the huge success that it did turn out to be. The youth does have much brewing in. The wrath against the political ills in the country has found a safety valve in music. With EP releasing ‘Shormacha’, Atif Aslam and Strings coming up with ‘Ab Khud Kuch Kerna Pare Ga’, Laal coming up with yet another patriotic song, ‘Sab Doob Raha Hai’, we
know that the youth is not out there smoking out their lives in oblivion. Here is their effort; their way of making peace. Moving on to the other side of the border, to our neighbours, the owners of tinsel town, Bollywood, I’m not much of a fan of Hindi songs, but ‘Munni’ had me giving into ‘Shiela ki Jawani’ this year. You just can’t block out these popular Hindi songs, for they are being played at every wedding you happen to attend. There is just no end to them. So this year ‘I hate love Stories’, ‘Chorbazaari’, ‘All is well’, ‘Dhanno’, ‘Chaska’ and ‘Ainvye ainvye’ were some of the Indian songs that were constantly played and danced to on every mehndi. On the mellower side, there were songs like ‘Pee loun’ from ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai’ and ‘Tere mast mast do nain’ from ‘Daabang’ which won the hearts of millions of audiences. Why forget the rest of the world when we’ve talked about India and Pakistan. Western hip-hop and R&B are much like their Bollywood counterparts: You just cannot avoid them. Blasted out at every party, every get-together or in the iPods of those less accustomed to appreciating good music, be it Rihanna’s ‘Live your life’ or Usher’s ‘Dj got us falling in love’, you have heard it. Not once, not twice, but over and over again. So much so that you often hum
Whoever said that Coke Studio was about East meets West, he/she got it all wrong. Coke Studio is about much more. We are not talking here about trying to amalgamate the Western music with what we have to offer. It’s about bringing our own society closer together, transcending all differences of ethnicity and regional barriers January 09 - 15, 2011 I 37
them to yourself. Falling in this particular genre, Akon’s ‘Club certified’ and ‘Grenade’ by Bruno Mars remained on the top charts for weeks. Far East Movement’s Like a G-6 remained the number 1 song on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks straight. Pink came up with yet another hit this year. Raise your glass got the party groovers into action on their tunes once again. I Kissed a Girl famed Katy Perry is the lucky girl again. Her latest song Fireworks has managed to top the Billboard making her the first female to have that position thrice in a row. Fireworks came out after the huge success of California girls. In the world of rock music, we had Linkin Park, who released their single Not Alone as part of the Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Their latest album, A Thousand Suns, on the other hand, did not receive quite the response it should have received. Or rather fans did not receive quite the music that they did want to hear. Waiting for the End was the catchier of the songs from the album, and one that did manage to be played across the charts from time to time. But the highpitched vocals that had so become Linkin Park’s identity were quite missing from the entire album. Oh we want your voice back Chester! Use Somebody was nominated the Best Rock Song at the Grammy’s this year. Continuing their previous year’s success, Kings of Leon released another album this year, Come Around Sundown. Radioactive from the album, a breezier, and maybe a less grungier song is right now being played across the charts. This and the other songs from the album are heavily influenced by the last album. Breaking Benjamin also released their single Give
38 I January 09 - 15, 2011
Me a Sign, a post-grunge song as a single. Sound garden’s Black rain takes you right back to the 90s. The song isn’t new but was recorded during the Bad motor fingers sessions in 1991. It was only publicly released this year. So it’s one of those awesome songs with just the perfect composition. Chris Cornell, on the other hand does quite some justice to the vocals. Oh and we did have the Fifa Football World Cup this year. Not only does it surround the whole world with some sheer craziness but a whole lot of festivities and music and dancing. Shakira’s Waka Waka became the anthem for everyone across the world and remained so for quite sometime as Spain basked in its glory. On the other hand, adding a bit of raggae and a bit of hip hop to the football craziness was K’naan with his inspirational Wavin’ flag. Lady Gaga, the phenomenal lady, with the outrageous dresses can’t help but come up with hits on hits. Call her p-p-poker face, t-t-telephone or ale-ale-allejandro some sort of speech impediment, but they are hits nonetheless. She’s not only Artist of the Year 2010 but Forbes has also named her among the top 100 Most Influential People in the World. Last but not the least, this kid does deserve a mention. Yes Justin Beiber it is. How we hate him, for his stupid haircut, his outrageous popularity, and for good reason we do. But this kid, with his latest single Pray from His My World Acoustics album does have hearts moving and MTV predicts, the song will be number 1. And yes I did hear him!
Shakira’s ‘Waka Waka’ became the anthem for everyone across the world and remained so for quite sometime as Spain basked in its glory
Culture 2010
The Year of
Fear
A look back at Lahore’s cultural scene, once the hub of the country and the envy of the subcontinent, but in the year 2010 in a state most dismal
T
By Saad Sarfraz Sheikh Festival, perhaps not just for now but the errorism and economic recession have remained the main bugbears of the country’s cultural life. With terrorism malevolently taking its toll on Pakistan’s art and cultural scene, the year 2010 literally turned out to be the Year of Fear. To the extent that theatres were targeted, leading to the cancellation of the much anticipated 2010 edition of the World Performing Arts
40 I January 09 - 15, 2011
foreseeable future. Almost all activities were overshadowed by the fear of terrorism that gripped the country. Many events had to be cancelled or postponed, while nothing remotely international took place. The Hall Road – a major retail and wholesale market for electronics and multimedia, one has to concede, some of it of the porn and semiporn variety – also faced its share of horrors. In 2009, the Hall Road traders caving in to extremists’ threats of
dire warning had obliged by burning CDs in big numbers. That was not enough, and to further terrorise the hapless traders and their patrons a crowded Hall Road was the target of multiple, albeit low intensity, explosions. The suburban Peeru’s Café also experienced an unfortunate incident on May 1, 2010 when a couple of blasts rocked the place.
With terrorism malevolently taking its toll on Pakistan’s art and cultural scene, the year 2010 literally turned out to be the ‘Year of Fear’. Theatres were targeted, leading to the cancellation of the much anticipated World Performing Arts Festival, not just for now but the foreseeable future
It too was a low-intensity bomb that exploded near the Café’s boundary wall, shattering window panes and mirrors and also damaging the Museum of Puppetry. As a panic-ridden crowd tried to rush out, a second bomb went off in front of the cafe. “The festival couldn’t take place in 2009 and this year we lack sponsorships,” said Rafi Peer Theatre’s creative director and Peeru’s Café’s COO Faizan Peerzada. Faizan said that following the blasts the number of visitors had reduced to a mere trickle. Craving for live performances, previously people used to throng the place. “Now there was no point for people to come all the way for food alone, which was not their priority in the first place,” he explained. The question now staring us in the face is, whether quality cultural events would ever take place here with the same frequency that they used to? For the moment, things are too grim for one to predict rapid improvement. Whatever little is taking place is not really being lapped up by the audiences. For instance, the Rafi Peer Theatre Workshop organised a Youth Performing Arts Festival in November 2010. But, unlike before, it failed to attract audiences in sizable numbers. The International Sufi Festival, which features performers from the Muslim countries, also had to be cancelled because no troupe was that keen to visit this terror-blighted country. It was indeed an anomaly that the only musical ‘happening’ in the country was the Coke Studio series. No high-profile live music concert could rock the city, as most of the popsingers preferred to do their concerts abroad. In the circumstances, watching YouTube videos in the confine of one’s home remained
the only musical entertainment that one could resort to. A sad situation indeed! An event that has fortunately been there for far too long, however, braved the odds in October 2010. To mark its 50th anniversary, sundry musical evenings were organised under the aegis of All-Pakistan Music Conference. But with the threat of terror always imminent, the venue though had to be for the first time since the Conference’s inception had to be shifted from the picturesque Bagh-i-Jinnah Open Air Theatre to indoors, at Alhamra Arts Centre. Though the sole exception, the Conference’s jubilee celebrations did provide some measure of cheer to a city that was once the cultural hub of the country and envy of the sub-continent. But for this, rest of the 2010 was more or less barren. Why is our cultural landscape so desolate? Imran Peerzada answers it quite succinctly: “wherever reactionary forces tried to take hold of a society, art and culture were invariably the foremost targets.”
It has come to a point that literalists have succeeded in hounding some artists to quit. And Peerzada traces the trend going back to the days of self-styled Islamist military dictator Zia-ul Haq. “His was the worst period”. Peerzada, of course, is right. The now three-decade long turmoil of the two long Afghan wars and its Islamic revivalist-terrorist fallout that has taken such a toll from us, those of us vying for cultural revival in Pakistan could not be keener to see the back of this menace that has clogged us for so long.
January 09 - 15, 2011 I 41
Top stories of
XARI JALIL brings you highlights of the past year from the world of entertainment
Vinny gets hitched Super model Vaneeza Ahmed tied the knot in August this year. The wedding ceremony was a private little affair with guests not. exceeding 30.
‘Bigg Boss 4’ October saw Pakistani celebrities, Veena Malik and Ali Saleem join ‘Bigg Boss 4’. Not only were the actors offered loads of cash, but also they managed to get themselves involved in a very popular reality TV drama. Shiv Sena had begun to protest strongly about the involvement of these two. Eventually votes got so low that both got ‘kicked’ off.
Hamza Jafri and Nida Butt tie the knot Hamza Jafri is a singer/songwriter and the founding member of Co-VEN who has also established The Guitar School. Nida Butt is one of the most well-known names in the theatre scene in Pakistan. Her company, Made for Stage, is single-handedly responsible for putting out productions of ‘Chicago’ and ‘Mamma Mia’. Both got engaged in November and are now married.
Lanny joins hands with Atif California-born renowned guitarist, songwriter and producer Lanny Cordola has been a member of bands such as Giuffria, House of Lords and Magdallan. His latest project ‘Peace through Music’ in collaboration with Atif Aslam and ex-members of Guns ‘n’ Roses has earned him a distinctive place in the music community. This project aims to broadcast a positive image of Pakistan
PFDC Sunsilk Fashion Week 2010
was held in Lahore in February 2010. The entire fashion industry joined hands to make it a success. 32 designers showed their collections in four days.
42 I January 09 - 15, 2011
Sensuous Sonakshi
Smart, talented Sonakshi Sinha made an entry in Bollywood with her film ‘Dabangg’ this year. Not only is she a looker but she is also a good actress. Sonakshi played a pretty decent role in making the Salman Khan starrer ‘Dabangg’ a massive box office money-maker, and she is now riding the waves of success like a . profess ional surfer. She’s the talk of the town and the latest heartthrob The sizzling Sonakshi is Shatrughan Sinha’s daughter.
Sallu, the most successful star of 2010 Sallu’s film ‘Dabangg’ broke all records in Bollywood. A new masala movie trend has restarted it seems, bringing action films featuring supernatural acts harkening back to the glory days of 80s and early 90s flicks. But of course Salman Khan was termed the most successful star of 2010!! Three cheers for the man!
Aisam and Hadiqa Goodwill Ambassadors
Prominent members from Pakistan’s entertainment and lifestyle industry have been actively working to provide relief to the victims of the floods. Hadiqa has been at the forefront of this effort and has traveled to Muzaffargarh and other affected areas. Aisam-ul-Haq has repeatedly spoken about the issue and has made appeals during his various media appearances and matches.
A possible mission Ever since the ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ phenomenon, Anil Kapoor has had phenomenal international recognition. The guy was first cast in the mega hit American TV serial ‘24’. News is he has lately been offered (which he has gleefully accepted) a meaty part in Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission Impossible 4’. Wow!
Tabu getting married!
Tabu is getting married. She has fallen for a businessman whose pockets are laden with moolah. The man, whose name is kept under wraps at this point, is ready to walk the altar with Tabu early next year.
Rouhan Abbas wins Star Plus ‘Chhote Ustaad’ award
In ‘Chhote Ustaad’, Rouhan from Gujrat along with his team mate Akanksha won the first prize award for best singing.
January 09 - 15, 2011 I 43
Lady Gaga, Billboard’s Artist of the Year The fame monster megastar herself, Lady Gaga, has captured Billboard’s Artist of the Year title, a mere 12 months after she was named Top New Artist. Whitney Houston duplicated that feat in 1985 and 1986, and the only musician to achieve the coveted promotion faster than Houston or Gaga was Chris Brown in 2006, when he scored both titles at once.
Prince William gets engaged to girlfriend Prince William finally became engaged to longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton, giving her his late mother’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring, as Britain looked forward to its biggest royal wedding since Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer almost 30 years ago. Royal officials announced Tuesday that the couple will marry next spring or summer in London. William is second in line to the British throne after Charles. Kate and William’s first child would move ahead of his younger brother Prince Harry to become third in line to the throne.
‘Toy Story’ biggest hit of 2010 With the help of inflated ticket prices and 3D, Disney has scored its second billion-dollar hit this year with ‘Toy Story 3’. The studio has sent out a press release announcing its good fortune. ‘Toy Story 3’ became the highest-grossing animated movie of all time. Today, the worldwide box office for the film is expected to cross $1 billion. The first film to cross the billion-dollar mark for Disney this year was Tim Burton’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy bags an Emmy The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences presented Sharmeen with the US Emmy Awards at the Frederick P. Rose Hall of Jazz. The Emmy in the . current affairs category was awarded to ‘Pakistan’s Taliban . Generation’, a documentary by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy and Dan Edge.
‘Harry Potter’ - the film of a generation Once again, mad Potter fans are flocking to theaters worldwide and to movie shops to get the adventures of our bespectacled hero. ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I’, directed by David Yates is the first of two films depicting the seventh book of the ‘Harry Potter’ series.
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A new dimension for movies 3D emerged as the hottest new fad in 2010. The trend has caught on like wild fire because it allows the studios to charge higher theatre prices. However in a big to save time and money, many studios are post converting films to 3D which results in shoddy image quality e.g. ‘Clash of the Titans’, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘The Last Airbender’. But despite the poor quality, the films still made enough profits for their studios.
Fakhri’s son located dead after a year A weary looking Jameel Fakhri appeared on air, first demanding that his son (who had been missing for a year), be traced. Two days later, his face lined with stress appeared again, this time, bringing the terrible news that his son had been mysteriously murdered. An extremely tragic episode; mystery clouds the incident.
Abida Parveen in distress Abida Parveen, legendary singer of Pakistan, suffered a heart attack while crooning to the audience’s favourite tunes. Her fans have been , extremely depressed since then, wishing her a quick recovery. She has needed two angioplasties.
Shamim Ara gets haemorrhage Shamim Ara suffered from a brain haemorrhage and was admitted to a Lahore hospital. However with the help of Mehmood Bhatti, Paris based fashion designer, her treatment’s cost was taken care of.
Great Italian film maker dies Cinema lost one of its greats, probably the last of his age, with the death of Italian film-maker Dino de Laurentiis who recently passed away at the age of 91, after a distinguished career that saw him make memorable films like ‘Flash Gordon’ and ‘Dune’. He earned critical acclaim for his success with greats such as the four Hannibal Lecter films.
J D Salinger passes away The well known writer of ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, J D Salinger died of natural causes at his home in New Hampshire in January 2010. He was 91. January 09 - 15, 2011 I 45
Aretha Franklin diagnosed with cancer Soul legend Aretha Franklin is reported to have cancer and underwent surgery. She had to also cancel engagements for the near future. The 68-year-old “Queen of Soul” is reported to be doing okay but the family is asking for supporters to pray.
Tony Curtis is no more Curtis was the famous American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. He acted in over 60 films in roles covering a wide range of genres, from light comedy to serious drama. Curtis died at his Henderson, Nevada home in September of cardiac arrest.
Polanski bags several awards French-Polish director Roman Polanski’s political thriller ‘The Ghost Writer’ swept the European Film Awards, picking up six prizes including best movie, director, actor and screenplay.
Mansoor Saeed breathes his last away Mansoor Saeed, one of the founding members of the noted theatre group Dastak, died in Karachi in May at the age of 68, leaving behind his wife, daughter Sania Saeed, a well-known theatre and TV actress and son Ahmer Saeed, former captain of the Pakistan under-19 cricket . team.
Erich Segal dies Erich Segal, the author of the hugely popular novel ‘Love Story’, which was made into an equally popular film, died of a heart attack this year at 72. He was suffering from Parkinson’s disease for the last 25 years.
When metal died A Metal legend has fallen. Ronnie James Dio, former frontman of Black Sabbath and his own band Dio, died from . . stomach cancer. He was 67. His current band, Heaven and Hell, canceled its summer tour.
And others Other celebrities who died this year include Dennis Hopper, Patricia Neal, Jean Simmons, Leslie Nielson and Charlie Wilson.
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January 9 -15, 2011
THE ZODIAC AND EASTERN TAROT By Mariam Aftab AFTAB/CAPRICORN
WISAAL/TAURUS
The ambition card Dec 22 - Jan 21
The physical change card Apr21 - May21
The key card of the week is Agni (the fire card), which shows that it is time to work on research. You will need to come to terms with your bigger dreams and aspirations. You will be ready to focus on your career in a big way this week. You can get life in order by making a list of to-do things. You will feel the fires of passion lighting your soul. You can expect the intrigue and the political playoffs to begin. Your anxiety will disappear as you take command of the situation.
The key card of the week is Fiza (the aura card), which shows that friends and family members will seek advice. Your helpful behaviour will be appreciated; many people will shower you with verbal praise. You will bring happiness in the gloomy life of your beloved. You would get some relief from the tensions and strains of life that you have been experiencing for long. Your skills and creativity will enhance your reputation at your workplace. Use your abilities to gain financial benefits.
DUA/AQUARIUS The self-card
Jan 21 - Feb 19
This is not going to be a week where you can sit back and relax. You can expect the unexpected at the work place. You will need to be bold enough to break through and try something totally different and innovative this week. You can be friends with it if you’re courageous enough to leap off into that wild void. All this energy pushes you further than you’ve ever gone before and I feel that these challenges are good for you. Your lucky number for this week is 2.
JAL/PISCES The sensitivity card Feb 20 - Mar 20 Your spread indicates that this week is very fine for teachers, students and for educational activities. You are worried about examinations; your good study habits and skills will make them easy for you. Computer-related profession will equip you with latest skills to compete for a bright future. Inferior quality or ill-cooked food may make you sick, so be careful in your diet. You could meet disappointment in love as you ignore the feelings of your partner. Lucky stone for this week is Moonstone.
FIZA/ARIES
The aura card Mar 21 - Apr 20
Your spread says that you will spend a lot of time thinking about your career and how to get ahead. If you are not feeling entirely satisfied with your current position, you might want to think about sending out some resumes. You might want to think about inviting some friends over to your house. You need to be happy and free at this time. Egocentric issues come up but you’ll be able to get right to the bottom of things. Be careful in your diet as you can suffer digestive problems. 48 I January 09 - 15, 2011
ASHIQ/GEMINI The love card May 22 - Jun 21 You will find that other people are pretty restless and impatient and stubborn as well. It is wise to avoid participating in arguments; avoid trying to change someone – there are no villains and no victims. If you are feeling a little out of control because most things are not going your way, it’s time to gain knowledge of how to become flexible. Remain open-minded and do not judge until you have all the facts. Success for accounting professionals is on the cards. Lucky number for this week is 5.
IRTIQA/CANCER The growth card
Jun 22 - Jul 23
Your spread indicates that this week is not good for out-door activities. You must avoid long journeys to give complete rest to your body because chances of weakening the mind are high. Things may seem deceptively illusive; your career life could be a little odd this week. Time is great to focus on business challenges; your parents will help you in business. Avoid jealous people as they can hurt you. Your lucky stone for this week is Tiger-Eye.
QUWAT/LEO The strength card Jul 24 - Aug 23
It is time to do some psychological digging. Move beyond your usual horizon. You will need to work twice as hard in order to get to that finish line. Break past the usual systems of thinking and listen to the voice of your dreams. Love could inspire you. You will be ready to do some social interaction with someone who will boost your confidence. Helping others will bring you great joy; give without expecting anything in return. You will get bigger than you expect.
Tel: +92 (42) 35751231, 35710452 Websites: www.mariamhealingcenter.com, www.innerstrengthhome.org
THEHRAO/VIRGO The patience card Aug 24 - Sep 23
The key card of the week is Thehrao (the pause card), which indicates that unwanted thought may occupy your mind and keep you distressed. Try to engage yourself in physical exercise because an empty brain is a devil’s workshop. Your dedication and loyalty at work will be appreciated. Your sound health will enable you to win a medal in a sports competition. Love is a rainbow of life that should always shine.
Celebrity Couples & Compatibility Sarah Michelle Gellar and Freddie Prinze Jr
SAHIR/LIBRA The magician card Sep 24 - Oct 23
May be you do have to find a little more will power now to go out into the world and tackle practical matters. You may be seduced by the thought that doing less would make you feel better. But you know if you exert yourself you will feel more virtuous and it will probably bring you more energy. But all the same you’re going to be fascinated by rather mystical things. You want to get away from the rational, practical world, to float off, not quite on a little pink cloud, but heading that way.
INTISHAR/SCORPIO The confusion card Oct 24 - Nov 22
This week is good for showbiz professionals. They will get better monetary benefits for their work. They will get opportunities to enhance their abilities. After three long days of worrying about work and various professional concerns, it could be a good time to enjoy a quiet, romantic evening with someone special. Just be careful that you are not too possessive or controlling where your loved ones are concerned. Your lucky stone for this week is Tourmaline.
KISMET/SAGITTARIUS The luck card Nov 23 - Dec 21
Your spread indicates that you will need to come to terms with your own value system this week. Follow your big dreams; they could lead you to gold. Spiritual values shine out like a star; aim high towards a goal that will bring you great joy. Your sweetheart will touch your soul that sets free your imagination to unlimited thoughts. It is also good to pay attention to the state of your emotions. Avoid getting involved in any unsolved family matter this week.
Sarah Michelle Gellar April 14, 1977 New York, New York Birth time: Unknown Sun Sign: Aries Moon Sign: Aquarius or Pisces Freddie Prinze Jr March 8, 1976 Los Angeles, California Birth time: Unknown Sun Sign: Pisces Moon Sign: Gemini Sarah is a strong Aries with a soft touch and dreamy side. She can be bafflingly subtle and feminine, and headstrong and determined as well. Perhaps that’s why she did such a standout job in her role as Erica Cane’s daughter in ‘All My Children’, a character that was kind of wicked, but confused and vulnerable at the same time. Freddie and Sarah have very different styles of expression with an impatient, go-getting streak. Both will have plenty of emotional moments, expressing their feelings in an assertive, in-your-face manner. There may arise some problems with too-high expectations of the relationship, a tendency to go to extremes when it comes to activities they do together, and arguments that can be volatile.
Ask the Expert: Mariam Aftab is a renowned healer offering self-help courses and counselling services. Readers can send in their questions regarding any problems at mariamhealingcenter@gmail.com
Q: Which name of Allah should I meditate over to control anger? My name is Abbas and my date of birth is January 7, 1965. A: Meditate over ‘Ya Haleemo’ 313 times, starting and ending by reciting durood sharif 11 times each.
tab Mariam Af
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Phenomenally Priced Have a look at some of the most expensive products of 2010 By Sehar Iqbal
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