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Change? Yes we can! While flipping channels mindlessly, I accidentally witnessed the birth of something new. A man considered by most as naïve, childish, and obviously idealistic stood in front of a huge crowd and reminded them how to never stop dreaming for change
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t’s embarrassing to admit that I count myself as one of the many Pakistanis who have become completely disillusioned with the state of affairs of the nation. I represent a demographic that is numb to any kind of news, good or bad, and chooses to focus on our day-to-day personal goals of survival in an environment plagued by disasters. After all, isn’t it in line with the most basic survival instinct present in every human being? It’s the emotion that kicks in to play every time a living creature feels it is cornered and upon the lack of options available, chooses to pursue the one that involves the minimum amount of displeasure. We live in a perpetual state of damage control, which is highlighted with the unfortunate notion of choosing the lesser of the two evils. Most of my readers who are under 21 will be questioning this sentiment and might be outraged with the idea of a fellow citizen who has given up on our beloved homeland. Do they actually wonder how one reaches the so-called tipping point even though there isn’t
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supposed to be one in an idealist’s world? I can also admit that I used to share this sentiment when I came back to Pakistan after finishing my education abroad nine years ago. But every passing year as a young professional trying to run his affairs with a clean slate, I became jaded with the laws of the land, as I like to call them. Continuously losing your innocent arguments to the way things are done around here’ speeches made by most of your associates as well as your employees makes it embarrassing to embrace the naïve category that you are judged to be a part of. It was my birthday on Sunday and as I stayed home reflecting on the past and future, while flipping channels mindlessly, I accidentally witnessed the birth of something new. A man considered by most as naïve, childish, and obviously idealistic stood in front of a huge crowd and reminded them how to never stop dreaming for change. He was definitely someone who had made his dreams come true in the past against all odds and took comfort in being the naïve idiot that his opponents deemed him to be, for decades. Somehow, after many years, I felt like a teenager again with inspiration bursting through my veins. This feeling inside me wasn’t about promoting any single political party or expecting someone to be the messiah that leads Pakistan through all its nightmares. We already put too many expectations on poor Barack even though he still continues to try his best. The inspiration lay in the exemplary life
of an individual who never loses hope and has made peace with dedicating his whole life to the pursuit of his goal even if the goal seems impossible to many. The notion of ‘die trying’ for your vision isn’t a phenomenon limited to movies only and every once in a while, someone comes along to prove its existence in our cynical world.
I realized that every disillusioned citizen is subconsciously a patriot waiting in silence for someone to inspire his reawakening. After a decade and a half, I finally registered my vote as the first step towards the dream for change. Give your feedback on info@asjeans.net.
November 20 - 26, 2011 I 43
Style Savvy
Makeup for the season By Zaynab Tariq
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he winter season is the ideal time for experimenting with your looks in terms of makeup because all the autumnal bright colours set the perfect tone and vicariousness for the season. Also, winter is the time for forgetting your makeup worries because in this weather, makeup lasts all day long. This year especially, the winter/ fall season is all about making bold and beautiful statements; the more intrepid the makeup statement, the better. Be sure to experiment with the assortment of colours, and choose the best one for your skin tone. One makeup trend that is the rage this season is that of the nude look. Yes, the nude look is back and here to stay. It’s the most feasible of all looks as it makes your beauty stand out. Fast, easy, natural and fresh, the best advantage of nude makeup is that it accentuates your natural beauty, but this can also be its biggest disadvantage. The key to an excellent nude makeup is investing in a proper foundation that matches your skin tone, neutral eye shadow shades, a bit of blush, mascara and nude lipstick colours to complete the look. Rimmel, Maybelline, MAC and Estee Lauder have some of the best products to offer which are available in a variety of skin tones and skin types. Natural beauty never goes out of fashion, and this season, it is more hyped about with all the stylistas adopting the look and letting their natural vivaciousness spark through. In stark contradiction to the nude makeup, is the extremely bright, dazzling and vampy lips, that is the oh-so-amazing look this year. Vampy lips of different shades are the fad; from bright red, to dark purples, to burgundy to oranges. Every colour that you have loved but have always been too afraid to try out, this is the time for you to do so because this season is all about making bold statements and standing out. Another makeup trend that is rapidly catching on this season is that of thick bushy eyebrows. The thin pencil-lined eyebrows are so last year; this season boy eyebrows are the in thing. Again, it’s all about being natural and letting your natural beauty shine through. One winter makeup trend that never goes out of fashion is the varicoloured smokey eyes. The only thing that has changed here about the smokey eyes is the eyeshade colours being used. Silvers, grays, dark purples are back and definitely here to stay. Another trend that has completely bedazzled me is the orange eye makeup; the summery colours of orange found their way into the winter season as well and are definitely the hype, because they give a bit of diversity. Be sure not to mix two or three of the trends together, one statement at a time is good enough.
Fast, easy, natural and fresh, the best advantage of nude makeup is that it accentuates your natural beauty
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Album Review
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto A triumphant ensemble of breathtaking melodies By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid Rating: **** Track Picks: Charlie Brown, Hurts like Heaven, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall
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hat makes ‘Mylo Xyloto’ an absolute triumph is not the fact that it extracts the best out of each of the band members, but that it encloses the ethos of Coldplay in a uniquely enigmatic manner, one that only they themselves could pull off. It’s a concept album – another feather in the illustrious caps of Chris Martin and co – that narrates the romance between the two characters in the title, and while the tale is predictable, the atmosphere is truly rejuvenating. And as always the band showcases a blend of genres, with prominent inputs throughout – Coldplay’s best is secured scrupulously in this 14-track marvel. The 43-second intro ‘Mylo Xyloto’ is a xylophone-laden puzzle that blends effortlessly into ‘Hurts like Heaven’ which is one of the highlights of the album. The track has the atmosphere one associates with the band with some pulsating guitarwork to boot. The follow-up, ‘Paradise’ is another luminary, with an atmospheric chorus meant to thrill the hordes hogging the stadiums. ‘Charlie Brown’ wraps up a hat-trick of chartbusting gems – it has a grooving chorus to enthrall the listener. After the three stalwart songs, ‘Us Against the World’ goes down the mellow lane, with an intriguing ballad that stipulates the lovers’ viewpoint thoroughly. ‘M.M.I.X’ is an electronic bridge that leads to another epic track ‘Every Teardrop is a Waterfall’, which is saturated with startling beats. ‘Major Minus’ and ‘UFO’ stand out for a very palpable guitar solo and Chris Martin’s vocal range
respectively. ‘Princess of China’ features Rihanna in an extremely catchy composition, which is a mélange of R&B, Pop and conventional rock – it is bizarre, yet exceptional. ‘Up in Flames’ has the R&B feel again, but here it doesn’t gel in as meticulously as in the other, more illustrious, parts of the album. ‘A Hopeful Transmission’ is the conclusive instrumental interlude, and easily the most striking of the lot. ‘Don’t let it Break Your Heart’ has the pop-rock elements that define Coldplay, and with the tale of Mylo and Xyloto reaching its climax, there is a tangible sense of optimism waiting in the wings. ‘Up with the Birds’ vindicates that sanguinity, with an emotionally invigorating track, that wraps up an unforgettable album with the feel of euphoria. The revitalising melodies are supported impeccably by the energising compositions, and the overall aura is of a musical chorus expressing the sensation of love – mind you, not in the antiquated fashion like it sounds - the album is very
much 2011 is terms of sound, production and execution. The album depicts clouds then highlights the silver lining, before eventually making the sun conspicuous. Coldplay are well and truly on their way towards etching their name as one of the preeminent bands of all time – not merely in the jurisdiction of rock. And, while the unbounded opulence of their musical talent, coupled with their relentless pursuit of unattained musical heights ensures that the band goes from strength to strength, once they call it a day, ‘Mylo Xyloto’ will be remembered as one of their superlative efforts. trouble to match the outfits of my kids with their cousins!
Interview
Aminah Sheikh
Bedazzling beauty By Sumeha Khalid
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he can easily be called actor of the year. Since the time this dusky beauty emerged on the showbiz scene she has been a hit. Be it modeling, hosting or acting, the versatile Aminah Sheikh does it all with panache. Though petite and fragile-looking in real life, on screen it’s a different story altogether. Gifted with a charismatic and attractive personality this girl is destined to rule. She is also L’Oréal Pakistan Spokesperson for 2011. Aminah has featured on nearly all the local channels in drama serials. Having graduated in Film Production from Boston, Aminah is currently focusing on acting and modeling. ‘It is truly a blessing to be acknowledged
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for the work we do, it serves as fuel for our being, motivates us to continue treading our paths with more zeal and enthusiasm. It is my challenge to continue to redefine, reinvent, relearn, revise all that I do and bring more to the canvas as I continue,’ says Aminah. Q. You came, you saw and you conquered? How did it all happen? A. I completed my BA in film from Hampshire College, Amherst MA (USA), took the plunge back home to Pakistan, volunteered for Kara Film Festival and applied for a job at Geo. Acting in theatre is something that I did throughout my academic life. Later, I was offered a commercial and a tele-film
simultaneously. Then I took the plunge into the entertainment industry and never looked back. Q. So how did the showbiz journey begin for you? A. I did a tele-film ‘Gurmukh Sing ki Waseeyat’ under the production of Khalid Ahmed which was part of a series called ‘partition stories’ and around the same time I did a cover shoot for a magazine where I was one of the bind girls. Hence, fashion and acting from the start have been hand in hand for me. Q. Is that how you met Mohib, your better half? A. I met him during my employment at
Cut out negativity from your system almost as soon as you find yourself confronted with it. Choose a positive thought over everything else
A. I don’t think I would be where I am if he was insecure or possessive. He harbours no such desi hypocrisy! Q. Who is your favourite co-actor and why? A. Noman Ijaz. He’s very giving in a performance. Q. Do you like it when you get to play the romantic lead opposite your hubby? A. Yes! It’s a great excuse to re-kindle love!
Geo TV. I had known of him before as he used to do theatre when I was also doing theatre in A-levels. He was known to put the stage on fire! When I met him again four years later, it was a pleasant surprise. We worked together for a little over a year and decided that our partnership would work wonders in life as well.
Q. What is it that you look at when taking on an assignment – script, director or co-actors? A. All three – script, director and co-actors are all important for a venture to be a success.
Q. How long did it take for you to realize that Mohib was the man for you? A. It took me a year. Yes, God’s been kind.
Q. Ever tried your hand at ramp modeling? What do you like more modelling, acting or hosting? A. Print modelling and acting are my forte and my focus. I did ramp once and I knew it was not for me.
Q. Did you have to work on your parents or were they fine with your choice of partner and career? A. Mohib had to prove his way through, and he really knew how to work on my parents. So much so, that now they go through him to make me understand things! Q. What is it like to be in the same field as your spouse? A. It’s the biggest support and for me it brings peace of mind. Q. How do you feel when Mohib works with pretty co-actors. Do you feel possessive? A. We encourage each other to work with pretty/ handsome, and talented actors of the opposite gender, it’s important for our growth and understanding of our craft and the industry. It’s the most harmful thing to put restrictions on your partner when it comes to work. Q. Is Mohib a typically possessive Eastern hubby who feels insecure because his wife is in showbiz or is he understanding and gives you space?
Q. What kind of people can’t you stand in the industry. A. Those who say, it’s not possible. Q. Who is your inspiration? A. Cate Blanchett. Q. Your most unforgettable experience? A. My marriage, my year in Turkey during college years, my graduation and the day my younger sister came into my life. And when Mohib won his first international actor award in England. Q. Something you’ve always wanted to do: A. Act opposite Will Smith. Q. Where do you see yourself five years from now? A. Continuing my career as an international film actor. Q. What is the most thrilling or challenging aspect of being part of the largest cosmetic and beauty brand in the
world? A. The concept of having local celebrity spokespersons is a new initiative introduced by our local brand team to L’Oreal international. It’s a thrill to be a part of something that’s happening for the first time and to create further opportunities through this endeavour which is bound to be challenging and very fulfilling. Q. To what extent do you think you can represent Pakistani culture and beauty being the brand’s spokesperson? A. I think the possibilities are infinite. There is so much one can do because we’re playing in a global arena thanks to the outreach of L’Oreal. Q. You have garnered so much success and acclaim in your field, what would your message be for the young women of our country? A. One must always pursue what one is most interested in as a career. One must never leave a desire unfulfilled. One must live life to its fullest and never spend too much time in doubt or indecisiveness. Always take a stand and move forward. Cut out negativity from your system almost as soon as you find yourself confronted with it. Choose a positive thought over everything else.
November 20 - 26, 2011 I 47
Fashionista Fatima G
From the catwalks of Paris to the Fashion Houses of Milan, walking the streets of New York to the boutique lanes of London, Fatima Khan, fashion stylist, designer, graduate of NCA and The London School of Fashion is a self proclaimed Fashionista. Her unique aesthetic sense coupled with her experience as a fashion buyer/merchandiser for various Fashion Houses in London has helped to launch her as a fashion connoisseur par excellence. Meet her every Sunday and learn what’s hot on the high streets in the global fashion village as well as the season’s must-haves and how to wear them.“My aim is to give my Pakistani readers a heads up by providing them with key forecasts for the upcoming season so they can welcome the season with a perfect wardrobe without necessarily paying designer prices”
Capes Swooped from catwalk to high street last Autumn, this year they’re back and bolder than ever. Throw on a cool cape for a chic cover up as the temperatures drop. It was the Barbie Doll outfit that did it. I have been crazy about capes since my childhood so you can imagine my excitement now that they are back in the forefront of fashion. Capes are just so dramatic and stylish. Whenever I put one on I feel vested. Isn’t it funny the way a piece of clothing can make you feel so good? I don’t dress the same everyday and I’m sure you don’t either but capes are equally chic over skinny jeans or a little black dress. A cape is an effortless style choice that goes from day to night with no adjustments required.
Runway
Capes are autumn winter 2011’s ultimate throw-on-and-go look. The catwalks were awash with capes, from Celine to Yves Saint Laurent. If you’d like to try a cape this season you have plenty to choose from. Some are cropped short and sporty, others are long, sweeping and romantic. They’re easy, cosy and comfy yet high fashion and dramatic. They bring a touch of theatrical swagger to the everyday life from Celine to Hussein Chalayan’s valiant style. Erdem, who opened his show with a hand embroidered cape showed that they can be decorative as well as practical. We’ve spotted them on celebs galore too. Keep clicking to see what every fly girl and boy will be wearing this season.
For my Pakistan
Ponchos are back on the scene this season and I’m not talking about your grandmother crocheted tangled fringe poncho that makes you look as though you’re dressed in a doily. The updated poncho is pretty posh, streamlined and sophisticated. Layer your poncho or cape over a pair of skinny jeans, leggings or with shorts and opaque tights. Long and enveloping, capes will keep you well protected against the wintry weather. This season capes are coming in all shapes and sizes quilted at Daks, camel at Chloe and knee length at YSL. It’s no different on the high street, from wax, to military and wool. Keep your bottom half slim and lean with straight leg trousers or jeans. A voluminous cape will be less than flattering with wide legged trousers. This year’s cape has a coat-like silhouette. Fashionable enough to make a style statement but functional enough to keep you warm.
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Key inspirational pieces
Here are some key pieces from international market so you can take the inspiration and translate the upcoming trends into your outfit: A. Dorothy Perkins, toggle cape, £69. B. Zalando, NAYA Cape, £194. C. John Lewis, Checked Cape, £139. D. Dorothy Perkins, buckle cape, £75. E. Great Plains, Temps Cape, £97.
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fashionistafatimakhan@gmail.com facebook.com/fashionistafatima
Top 5
Winter looks
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By Nadia Farooq
f you haven’t yet had the chance to survey this year’s winter collection, then fear not. This is your guide to the next shopping spree. The local brands have outdone themselves in producing amazing winter collections. The one brand worth mentioning is Break Out. Their winter material is soft wool with very up-to-date styles. You can easily find the following pieces at their local brand shops anywhere in Pakistan. Look 1- The cozy sweater Pair up an over sized sweater with skinny jeans and boots and you are all set for the day. This outfit is comfortable as well as stylish. Add accessories like a handbag and a wrap around the neck to complete the look! Look 2- The blazer Try the basic jeans with a sweater vest or top and add layers to the outfit with a waist length blazer. If you want to make this outfit semi formal wear heels with it. This look is the latest chic style of elegance in women. You can accessorise it with a long light necklace and a hand clutch. Look 3- Patterned sweater or sweatshirt Try patterned sweaters and sweatshirts, the pattern could be stripes, checks or diamonds. Pair them up with a woolen pants or jeans. Look 4- Add a standout colour Hot red in cold winter is the colour to add to any outfit but the trick is in how not to overdo it. You can wear an all black grey or white outfit and then add bright coloured scarves, gloves or hats to the outfit. You can also add shoes or bags in bold colours. Look 5- Balance out the volume Mega loop scarves are so in right now. Offset their bulkiness with a fitted jacket and skinny pants.
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Interview
Ballroom is a couple dance... an intense conversation between a man and a woman without words... the music sets the mood and the postures establish a centre where dance would be the medium through which people could aspire for fitness, wellness and the arts. In this exclusive interview, Hazan D talks to Pakistan Today’s Lounge about ActOne, dance and running Karachi’s first B-Boy competition.
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ne can say that Hazan D dances in his sleep, though some people wonder if he ever gets time to sleep. He works at a senior position for a major 50 I November 20 - 26, 2011
Pakistani bank during regular office hours, grabs quick showers after office and then heads over to ActOne where he dances his heart out. ActOne isn’t just the oldest and most prestigious centre for the arts and wellness in Pakistan, it is also the culmination of Hazan D’s dream. He wanted to
How do you juggle banking by day and dancing at night? I love doing both...one is my career and the other my passion! The two things which really help me do both perfectly well are managing my time and knowing which things are more important. Considering that this dance form isn’t well known in Pakistan at all, what
spurred your interest in Salsa? It’s actually Ballroom. Salsa is just a part of it. Ballroom is a couple dance... an intense conversation between a man and a woman without words... the music sets the mood, the postures and the pure aura of arrogance around them. But I love all sorts of dances. Tell us about ActOne and what inspired you to set this up? ActOne was more of an eventuality! Everyone wants to dance. You cannot deny the fact that dance is synonymous with joy. There was no proper studio here so we thought let’s be the change we wish to see. Three business graduates and dance lovers started ActOne. I was one of them. We began quite humbly not knowing the response we will get but kept our vision intact...we gave workshops at the PACC, then at the Indus Valley followed by the Alliance Francaise de Karachi... after that there was no stopping. We moved into our own studio, started offering more and more Art and Wellness Forms and now we have over 3500 sq foot of studio, almost 6000 students to date, over 23 Art and Wellness Forms and 19 instructors both local and foreign. For the last two years it has been only my own team carrying on wonders! Lorraine, Siddique, Zareef, Farah, Asma and Hasan are a force to reckon with. You recently conducted a much talked about and exciting event called the Battle of the Break Dancers, tell us about this? It was the first time in Pakistan that a competition of break dancers was held at this level. One highlight and this being close to my heart was the Planet Boy Battle. The story is fascinatingly brief. Two sets of senior Break Dancers contacted me. I met with them and found out that there are over 300 B-boys (break dancers) in Karachi. ActOne gave them a vision of having a battle competition. These 19-21 year olds carried out this amazing event. I am proud of Sanki, Joel, Ansley, Amir and Asad!
What kind of classes do you offer at ActOne? We have Salsa Jive, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Kathak, Ballet, Belly Dancing, Rumba, Chachacha, Tango, Zumba, Kickboxing, Yoga, Power Yoga, Graffitti Art, Break Dancing, beat boxing, guitars, piano and loads more!
musicals. It’s refreshing to learn that Karachi is now open to musicals much more then it was three years ago.
What’s the most popular class you offer at ActOne? For ladies it’s mostly Bollywood, Zumba, Power Yoga and Aerobics. For teenagers it’s Hip Hop and Break Dancing; for gentlemen it’s Kick boxing; for kids its ballet, Hip Hop and the guitars.
Tell us some more about yourself: Favourite dancer: Travis Wall and Lauren Gottlieb Favourite dance routine: I like the new Facebook cell phone ad ... it’s like a musical. The song you can’t get out of your head: ‘Where did you sleep last night’Nirvana. The book on your bedside you haven’t been able to finish: The Art of War. Best business advice you ever received: planning is 80%, execution is 20! Best life advice you ever received: Put a dent in the universe!
You are the only salsa dancer to date who has been selected to represent Pakistan at the World Salsa Congress; tell us how this honour came about? The World Salsa Congress gathers 150 dancers from across the globe. They wrote to ActOne and after coming to know about me they invited me to perform at the grand stage! The Kick-boxing tournament is coming up. Can you tell us a little bit about kick boxing? Is the trend picking up in Karachi? Eight fighters will compete in the ActOne Muay Thai Bouts starting December 11th. Every Sunday starting now we have a boot camp at ActOne from 10 am - 12 pm...from among these Guru Goharl Gul will select the top eight and the bouts will begin...this will be open to public. Are most of the contestants at such events men? Do you feel break dancing and kick-boxing are still solely considered to be a male domain? No. Infact we had a B-girl competition during the battle. We have heard a musical is the next item on the cards for ActOne. It seems as if musicals are the next big thing in Karachi, what do you think? ActOne has played a mojor role behind the curtains of almost all major
As a business, do you feel ActOne is a viable model? We’ve never taken ActOne as a business. That’s why it has done so well.
ActOne was more of an eventuality! Everyone wants to dance. You cannot deny the fact that dance is synonymous with joy. There was no proper studio here so we thought let’s be the change we wish to see November 20 - 26, 2011 I 51
Trendy valima colours By Ayesha Nasir
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ith wedding season kicking off and everyone caught in the hustle and bustle of preparation, the biggest worry on everyone’s minds is: “What should we wear to xyz’s shaadi?” Without doubt, the bride has the most daunting task of deciding what to wear for the baraat and valima. The wedding day is relatively simple: red is still the ideal choice for most brides. But the valima is a different ballgame all together: almost everything goes, which makes the choice easier yet trickier at the same time. To make matters simpler, here are some of Pakistan’s top designers and fashionistas on the subject:
Uzma Hai:
“I think the best choices for the valima day are fuchsia, burgundy, maroon and other deep shades. It used to be that pinks and ivories were preferred for the valima but now I think the mood has changed and deep shades are back. A deep, deep purple would look great for anyone’s valima.”
Madiha Ibrar, head designer at Milli Madiha:
“The Valima look is no longer the pretty in pink look. Now everything is about striking combinations: dark and light colors, pastels and burgundies and so on. I think a pastel colored shirt with a darker bottom is more exciting and more in keeping with the current trends.”
Ayesha Khurram:
“My design philosophy is understated and minimal. I believe the Valima look is elegant and chic, a perfect combination of chic and poise. If I was to design a Valima outfit, it would be in soft shades of cream and grey.”
Nosheen Amir of Ennz Jewelry:
“I believe in classic designs, with a modern aesthetic. In my opinion the ideal Valima dress would be dust gold and ivory: a look which can never fail to make an impression.”
Saira Rizwan:
“The bridal collection I just unveiled at the Bridal Couture Week 2011 was inspired by Mughal times and Mughal opulence. I believe the new Valima colors are white, beige and gold.”
Tena Durrani:
Karachi’s favorite designer Tena Durrani has always worked in soothing colors be it a tea-pink or a mint-green or a lemon-yellow. Her expertise is in using floral and abstract appliqués and adapting an age-old technique to produce modern and contemporary designs. Tena Durrani believes the in-color for a Valima dress for this season is an ice-pink.
Isma Meer:
Isma Meer, whose sandals and pumps have been making waves both in Karachi and abroad, has always been more of a neutrals and pastels person. Her personal pick for a Valima dress for the upcoming season would be pastels and neutrals. “Valima is a time to look elegant, chic yet striking, which is why I would choose these colors,” said Isma Meer.
Hina Butt, CEO of Teena:
“In my opinion, the perfect Valima dress for this season would be in shades of blue: Teal, Turquoise, Aqua, soft shades of blues and hues of a brilliant deep blue.”
Sehyr Anis:
“The ideal colors for a Valima dress for a bride who wants to look pretty are mint green and lilac. Shades of green look very refreshing and fresh while lilac is the new pink: even a combination isn’t a bad idea.” 52 I November 20 - 26, 2011
Trends
Sehyr Anis is a young designer whose modern designs and minimalist fashion aesthetic is helping her gain tremendous popularity in Lahore. Her work appeals to young working women who are eager to pick up hassle free clothes
What’s in, what’s out
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By Ayesha Nasir
ehyr Anis is a young designer whose modern designs and minimalist fashion aesthetic is helping her gain tremendous popularity in Lahore. Her work appeals to young working women who are eager to pick up hassle free clothes which feel right and look great. A working woman herself, Anis realizes the importance of beautiful tailoring and elegant designs for other women who are short of time and are careful with their pockets. Lounge talks to Seher Anis and finds out about the latest trends. What’s the mood this winter with regards to the fashion industry? Rich tapestry of patterns - elaborate swirls, motifs, polka dots and opulent winter florals. What’s the new upcoming colour of the season? Yellow or orange. There are so many weddings coming up, what colours would you advise for the brides to explore? Magenta and burgundy. Should the jhooomer be bigger than the tikka for brides? No big tikkas are in this season. What is the perfect colour for a walima this season? Mint green and lilac. Should we expect a comeback of any particular style? Knee length shirts. What’s the new colour for mehndis this season? Blue and indigo with yellow or orange. What fabrics, in your opinion, are going to be in this winter? Soft linens. Are there any colour schemes that you are focusing on for your winter collection? Almost all colours but specifically yellows and oranges. Are heavy embellishments in fashion this winter? No. Any striking and recurrent patterns or prints that are popular this winter? Florals may just spring back. November 20 - 26, 2011 I 53
54 I November 20 - 26, 2011
Music
Beygairat Brigade’s
By Shahzeb Shaikh
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akistani musicians are talented and intellectual in their own right. In addition to making quality music, they make it a point to compose songs with message-oriented lyrics addressing the current scenario prevailing in the country. In the recent times, artistes like Strings (Main Tau Dekhunga & Khud Kuch Kerna Parega with Atif Aslam) & Shehzad Roy (Laga Reh, Qismat Apne Hath Main), Haroon (Go Saab Ji Go) have been instrumental in producing some satirical numbers, which have caught everyone’s attention. The three-member band, Beygairat Brigade consisting of Ali Aftab (vocals), Danyal Malik (percussions) and Hamza Malik (guitars) has come out with perhaps the wittiest of them all, Aalu Anday, a track rounding up all the foul plays going on in the country via it’s sardonic lyrics. Pakistan Today sat down with the band’s front man, Ali Aftab and spoke with him regarding the track, its concept, expectations, future plans and more. How did you come up with the concept of Aalu Anday? The name of our band directs our lyrics. We had no intention of releasing Aalu Anday on TV. We had prepared it for social media as you can see from the ‘like this video’ banner that I am holding towards the end. It took a lot of brainstorming, discussion and debate. Danyal and I had several sittings just to filter what should go out and what shouldn’t. These ideas are not brand new; they are all around us and everybody who has a political understanding feels the same way about one thing that we have said or the other. We just picked them up and presented them in a three minute package. Whatever we couldn’t fit in the lyrics was said in the video through banners. Who wrote the lyrics? Ali Aftab Saeed and Daniyal Malik. What messages does it convey? Our prime message is that everything
can be discussed on the table. Do you think it has become a trend of using political content in songs to reach out to the masses? If it’s a trend, then we’re the trend setters. Can you think of any band in Pakistan’s history who specifically and categorically took names of politicians and chiefs of our institutions in their songs? What do you plan on achieving from this song? We have achieved what we set out to do; now people can be vocal about their reservations even if they are about big guns. How beneficial are these type of message oriented songs? Our aim wasn’t to scavenge out benefits, we’re musicians and through music we conveyed what we wanted to say. Which verses would you illustrate for
our readers? Analyze them yourself, the best thing about poetry is that it can be interpreted in various ways and add on new meanings, we’re fine with how you interpret it. When are you coming out with your album? Whenever we’ll have the money to launch the album otherwise we’re going to keep on producing singles. Describe the track musically. This was a groovy, catchy tune with a brilliant riff- that’s our style of music And, finally, how did you come with the name of the band? We were sick of most of our Urdu columnists and few of the English columnists and their single track conservative approach that was being impregnated in the mindset. We decided to bring out the voice of the silent majority. November 20 - 26, 2011 I 55
Roasters’ Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Ingredients
½ cup Cadbury’s chocolate, chopped into small pieces ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 4 eggs ¼ cup icing sugar 2 tbsp flour ½ tsp vanilla essence 3 tbsp drinking chocolate Vanilla ice cream This recipe makes 6 servings of lava cake.
Method 1) Preheat oven to 175 C. Liberally grease 6 small ceramic bowls/ ramekins with oil. 2) Melt chocolate and butter in a bowl that fits snugly over the top of a saucepan. Fill the sauce pan with just enough hot water that does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Melt over gentle, indirect heat. Remove the bowl from the sauce 56 I November 20 - 26, 2011
pan as soon as the chocolate is nearly melted. Continue gently stirring until it is smooth and shiny. 3) In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for about five minutes. Add flour, drinking chocolate and vanilla essence. Beat the batter for two additional minutes, add the melted chocolate mixture and beat for another five minutes. 4) Scoop the batter into the greased bowls, approximately 3/4 cup of batter
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By Sadyia Babar
oasters is one of the best eat out spots in the area. The m e n u offers a huge variety of succulent steaks, scrumptious burgers, soups, salads and mouth watering desserts. Their lava cake is simply delicious and we bring you a recipe for it to try at home.
in each bowl and bake them for 13 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so check the cakes after 13 minutes. If they’re really moist on top, bake one minute and check again. Remove cakes from oven and let them rest for three minutes. 5) To unmould, place the serving plate on top of the bowl and invert. Carefully remove the bowl, tapping lightly on the plate to loosen cake. Serve the molten cakes warm with vanilla ice cream.
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