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Lounge Loves By Sahar Iqbal
MauSummer-ise with Huma this summer!
It’s not just a Lipstick…it’s my Color Riche Color Riche feels amazing the first time you put it on and every time you apply it. Color Riche is truly a pleasure for the senses. The smooth creaminess and suave sensuality is more than just a sensation. It brings out the woman’s alluring femininity while radiating beauty and confidence.
Dealing with the tailors can be a nightmare. The brand we have trusted for more than a decade MauSummery by Huma brings to us their ‘PURE Prêt Collection’. T h e fabrics, in addition to the signature MauSummery lawn, also include chiffons and woven materials with detailed embroideries and intricate borders, complimented with a variety of embellishments done stylishly. Available in 4 sizes; extra small, small, medium and large, this year the collection also comes in longer silhouettes, embroidered backs with a focus on designs on the printed panels and features rounded hemlines, collared shirts and cuffed sleeves. It is now available at their Flagship Store on MM Alam Road in Gulberg Lahore.
‘Gifted’- express your feelings with passion! ‘Gifted’ is a source for premium made-to-order handmade gift baskets in Pakistan, to suit any occasion, mood, theme and celebration! It stands for the true and unique concept of giving gift baskets to loved ones, as an expression of love, comfort, friendship and fun. Long gone when it was fine to present run-of-the-mill gifts are the days ones and get over and done with the task. to loved Instead, Gifted believes in bringing joy in a basket. T h e y create custom-made gift baskets and a complete basket-case. They have a variety of collections for different events: MakeCelebrate friendship! Mom-Happy baskets, Love-Is-In-the-Air Anytime is a good time to have fun and celebrate baskets, Bride-to-Be baskets, friendship! With the recently launched ‘Dosti Ke Birthday Baskets, Tying-theRung’ campaign courtesy Glow by Warid, exciting Knot baskets, Everlastingactivities are coming your way where you can experience Love-For-Him baskets, ‘Augmented Reality’ for the first time in Pakistan with Special-Gourmet baskets, your friends at colleges and malls in Karachi, Lahore Breakfast and Teatime and Islamabad. Keep a lookout for this Glow activity baskets, Spa Baskets and being conducted in the month of April where you enter lots more– for the first a visual reality transporting you on video to wherever time in Pakistan! You you want! In fact, take dancing tips from the new Dosti can view them online Ke Rung video now being aired on all major television at www.facebook.com/ networks and can be found online at www.youtube. giftedbaskets. com/GlowByWarid.
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very artist has a dream of performing at Globe Theatre, London and this year this dream has come true for few of our fine artists like Nadia Jamil, Omair Rana, Salman Butt, Maria Khan and Osman Khalid Butt. This year they are bringing together artists from all over the globe, to enjoy speaking these plays in their own language, in their Globe, within the architecture Shakespeare wrote for. The artists will play the Globe way – telling stories through the word and the actor, complemented by costumes, music and dance – and will complete each play within two-and-a-quarter hours. It is a moment of pride for our entire nation to see our talent performing live on the stage of Globe Theatre. Keeping the pride in my mind, I went to see the entire cast who were rehearsing at Kinnaird College, Lahore. It was a pleasure to see that the cast belonged to the different classes of the society. They were students, actresses, teachers and trust me a scientist too. To my surprise, Amna Kaul, the script writer of play, received her degree from abroad in English Literature yet she produced such a marvelous translation of ‘Taming of the Shrew’ in Urdu language. She has kept the puns and Shakespearean language structure in mind and gave a much localized touch to the language. Zebun and Mariam Pasha also did a beautiful job in
Nadia Jamil, a name that doesn’t need any introduction also exclaimed her disappointment in our theatre system. She said, ‘As we were not given funds from our own government, the only support that we can seek was our company. The entire cast left their jobs for this play and we were not even paid for our tickets to London
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Direct from Pakistan, this is an exciting Urdu version of one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating explorations of male/female relationships
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retaining the essence of original Shakespearian language with imagery, rhythms and meter of the play. Initially, they found it a bit hard to transliterate the great Shakespeare in our hardcore Urdu language, it took writers four months to come up with the script that is related to our society, language and issues. The plot of the play revolves around Katherine, who has given a name of “Kiran’ relating to the strong head Pakistani girl. A duel of the sexes in which the red haired Kiran is ‘tamed’ into marriage and love. Rustam is played by Omair Rana, wants a wife with money and Kiran’s got plenty of it. But she doesn’t want to get married at all. She enjoys life on her own terms. Has she finally met her match in Rustam? But then, has he met his? Performed in Urdu. Set in Lahore’s spring season of Basant with its kite flying and romance, this Urdu Taming of the Shrew is a heady mix of vibrant costumes, traditional dance, Punjabi music with tabla, sitar, flute and harmonium. Direct from Pakistan, this is an exciting Urdu version of one of Shakespeare’s most fascinating explorations of male/female relationships. Mrs Wilson is the producer of the play; she is a British born who is donating all her efforts to our actresses so that they can make it to the Olympics. She told me about the obstacles that she faced during her journey in Pakistan. She stated, ‘I am utterly disappointed in Pakistani government as no one offered us a place for rehearsals for our play. We used to rehearse in parks, at some people’s roof top as we were not offered anything at all, not even sponsorship for our air tickets. We also want to perform at Alhamara Theatre and the stage is not being given to us only because CM has a programme on the very same date. I am surprised at the way they are promoting their talent and taking pride in their performances.
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No government would do this to those people who are going to mark their names at a prestigious place like Globe Theatre. We received our funding from few of the families who are living abroad. It’s a matter of shame for the authorities who cannot even provide us a platform where we can perform.’ Nadia Jamil, a name that doesn’t need any introduction also exclaimed her disappointment in our theatre system. She said, ‘As we were not given funds from our own government, the only support that we can seek was our company. The entire cast left their jobs for this play and
we were not even paid for our tickets to London. For me its like my dreams have come true and I am extremely happy to see that there are passionate actors left who are putting their best interest to keep this dying theatre alive. I am also optimistic that after our performance there would definitely be a change in our theatre industry. My only message to the readers is to work their way as responsible citizens and promote our culture in theatres.’ We wish the entire team best of luck for their performance at London Theatre. Make your nation proud of you.
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Monthly International Trend guide
Fashionista Fatima
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 esthetic sense coupled with her experience as a fashion buyer/merchandiser for various Fashion Houses in London has helped to launch herself as a fashion connoisseur par excellence.
PRETTY PASTELS Sweetshop pastels, candy floss, sugar fondant, sorbet ice and cupcake colours are all part of the new pretty pastels, a trend spotted everywhere on runway for SS12. It is a pastel colour-block look. Light Pink, daffodil yellow, icy blue, mint green, light lavender and nude are core colours. They look best when mixed together. This trend expresses femininity through sherbet colours, soft patterns, lax textures, abundant floral forms, pretty scallop edges, ribbons, bows and 3D appliqué flowers all in muffled tones. It’s a move on from SS11 pastel shoes trend. With the runways to blame, it’s popping up in all forms of apparel, accessories and even beauty products. It’s all about champagne tones, sheer floating dresses, washed parachute silk and pretty girlish cuts. Think of diaphanous fabrics, chiffon and Chantilly lace to create fairy tale ensembles with frothy frills, ruffles and flounces. If you want to incorporate the muted style into your wardrobe but not sure, subdued accessories are the way to go feast your eyes and feel safe.
Runway
SS12 runways were drenched in pastel hues. Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs and Tommy Hilfiger featured this trend. Opt for icy alternatives this season with a subtler pastel palette. There was glacier blue at Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu, spearmint green at Dior, Marc Jacobs and Christopher Kane, bitter lemon at Carolina Herrera and Nicole Farhi and damask rose at Lanvin, Givenchy, Oscar De La Renta and Tommy Hilfiger. Designers put a new spin on this trend by reworking the classic cuts. It’s all about relaxed, feminine shapes. From Diane von Furstenberg to 3.1 Phillip Lim, the catwalks were crammed with soft tailoring. High street has been quick to follow and there are a lot of varieties available in dresses, tops, trousers and jeans. Pastels jeans trend is the most liked variety and all retailers are busy making knock offs
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Fashionista Fatima
“Pastels are huge this season as they welcome spring and all its glory; think lavender, mint green, candy pink, saturated coral, and sky blue and all of the styling possibilities that come with them. Fatima makes it looks effortless as always, with a perfect balance of colours and style, one thing that I love about her articles.” - Nomi Ansari (Designer)
For my Pakistan
If you can’t decide which of spring’s soft tones suits you best, then combine few pastel hues in colour-block layers or delicate ombre washes. The upside of this trend is that it’s appropriate for most occasions. The downside for petites is that light colours visually add bulk and a few extra pounds on a short woman can be more noticeable than on a taller lady. Skip this trend if it’s not flattering. Avoid ultra-girlie candy shades. Choose subtler pastels such as bitter lemon, mint green and dusty pink. If you are feeling brave, wear sugar hues head-to-toe in layered pastel shades. For a relaxed look, go for sporty separates and add a dose of navy / black colour for evening and white / nude colour for day time to avoid a sugar overload. If you don’t want to work the multi-pastel palette, choose one colour and team it with neutral creams, beiges or greys for a chic and more discreet approach. If you want to wear this trend but don’t look your best in pastel clothing, opt pastel accessories, such as handbag, shoes, jewellery or nail lacquer in pastel hues. Come on, Give your closet a pastel pick up and onlookers will be green with envy!
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
1. MOTO Cloud Supersoft Skinny Leigh Jeans 2. River Island Pink Diamante Trim Peplum Dress 3. River Island dress 4. Rare Contrast Collar Sleeveless Shirt turquoise lemon yellow sheer blouse 5. Prada Spring 2012 Flame Sandals 6. Roberto Cavalli Doctor Quilted Leather Bag 7. Chloe Marnie Mini Shoulder Bag
fashionistafatimakhan@gmail.com facebook.com/fashionistafatima May 06 - 12, 2012 I 45
Books
A bit of nostalgia Remembering bygone times
Thirty Years on the North-West Frontier Recollections of a Frontiersman By Leslie Mallam Publisher: Oxford University Pres, Karachi Pages:247; Price: Rs.895/46 I May 06 - 12, 2012
A Story of Days Gone By (An Autobiography of Princess Shahr Bano Begam of Pataudi) Translated/Edited by: Tahera Aftab Publisher: Oxford University Press, Karachi Pages:253; Price: Rs.825/-
By Syed Afsar Sajid
T
hirty Years on the North-West Frontier comprises the recollections of Leslie Mallam (1895-1978) appertaining to his nearly three-decade long career as a soldier and then as a political officer in the NorthWest Frontier Province of British India (now Khyber-Pakhtoonkhwa). Similarly A Story of Days Gone By relates the reminiscences of Princess Shahr Bano Begam Pataudi daughter of Nawab Akbar Ali Khan of Pataudi and daughter-in-law of Nawab Abdur Rahman Khan, the chieftain of the state of Jhajjar. The two books are being jointly reviewed here. Thirty Years on the North-West Frontier Leslie Mallam (1895-1978) distinguished himself both as a soldier in the Indian Army and afterwards as a political officer on the North-West Frontier of India. The theme and subject of the book assume greater importance in the backdrop of the contemporary socio-political scenario in the region. Humayun Khan, a well-reputed diplomat, hailing from Mardan, has aptly remarked in his introduction to the book that “Col. Mallam does bring our attention to one obvious cause, which is that, over the past hundred years, no government, be it the BritishIndian before 1947 or that of Pakistan ever-since, has had the foresight to integrate these tribes into the framework of a nation state governed by rules and regulations” without foreseeing the dangers of allowing within its borders, a sizeable area of land serving home to some three and a half million people, “to remain outside the pale of its laws and not fully within its administrative control”. The memoir in hand further tells us how “he (Col. Mallam) tried, as a political officer on the Frontier, to convince his superiors of the need to think ahead, and to start the process of integration through bringing a greater measure of exactitude and continuity
to the system of tribal administration”, and introduce economic development plans to enable the people of the area to share the benefits enjoyed by the people of the settled areas. Unfortunately the administration focused on the sole objective “to prevent tribal depredations into the settled district(s) and to win the loyalty of influential tribal Maliks”. The book comprising eighteen chapters besides introductory notes, appendices, and relevant maps, is a good read. In a quasi-autobiographical stance, the author candidly tells the long-winding tale of his life silhouetted against a vivid description of his family and career histories with reverberating undertones as to its relevance to the situation obtaining in this part of the world today. Had the ‘Frontier Development Plan’, conceived and piloted by Mallam in the wake of the implementation of the Partition Plan, been executed, the course of history would have been changed in the area known today as the Pak-Afghan border region, as some political observers were prone to think. A Story of Days Gone By (Dr.) Tahera Aftab, a noted feminist, is a professor of history and also the editor and publisher of Pakistan Journal of Women’s Studies: Alam-e-Niswan. She has rendered the English version of Shahr Bano Begam’s recollections acknowledging her reliance on Dr. Moinuddin Aqeel’s edited Urdu version of the same. There are three major characters in the drama of her life–she herself, her father Nawwab Akbar Ali Khan of Pataudi and her father-in-law Nawwab Abdur Rahman Khan of Jhajjar who had to kiss the gallows on a cooked up charge of sedition leaving behind his family with a terrible sense of desolation. The stage is set in the second half of the nineteenth century, the directors and producers being the ambitious descendants of the now defunct English East India Company. The locale lies, as it does, in the vicinity of Delhi encompassing the tiny states
of Pataudi and Jhajjar ruled by Muslim chieftains. The climax of the narrative is followed by a recapitulation of the history of Shahr Bano Begam’s ancestors which is stated to be ‘a ploy to lessen the emotional stress of her readers’. Apart from being a thoughtful personal narrative, the story of Shahr Bano Begam is also a dexterous but lucid ‘documentation of the lives of Indian women’ in the wake of the ‘tumultuous events of 1857, making it a unique contribution to ‘Mutiny’ historiography’. Biti Kahani commences on 12th March 1848 with the birth of its author at Pataudi. Incidentally the same year, a sizeable crowd of women spearheading the women’s rights movement, assembled at the Seneca Fall Convention in the United States demanding application of the principles of the American Declaration of Independence to womenfolk also. But the analogy evaporates as we move to track the genealogy of events in both cases. The historic assembly is enshrined in the archives as a monument to Women’s Lib whereas the tragic tale of a native woman, no longer remembered by her own people, is virtually consigned to oblivion. Aside from its preamble, the book has three chapters plus the translator’s exhaustive but adept introductory note and a few appendices. The concluding remarks of the author of Biti Kahani in the preamble depict her as a sober, self-confident, and humble but graceful human being: “…. This book is the narration of my story and at the same time it is a chronicle of history. Finally, now I entreat and beg women readers of this book to please forgive me if they find in the reality of my life or in the narration of my story a slip or an ambiguity. Please do not target me with reproach and taunt; a human being is an effigy of omission and forgetfulness. There is nothing strange if I have erred too.”
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NIGHTMARES
- causes and solutions
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ifty percent of dreams are said to be nightmares. Actually, this varies greatly with the individual, for those who are natural problem solvers seldom have nightmares... and solving problems is what nightmares are really all about. Those who experience nightmares most of all, are people who have a fear or a problem they don’t want to face or prefer to run away from, in the hope that it will go away all by itself. Not only do our problems remain when ignored, they are often symbolized by nightmares which will most certainly become recurring nightmares if not dealt with – as if once isn’t bad enough. The nightmare background is always dark and menacing, the figures are large and threatening like monsters. These evoke a feeling of fear – even terror – and we feel utterly helpless. Invariably we try to scream, run, or escape in some way only to find ourselves unable to do so. The action of the nightmare simply restates what we are trying to do – run away from our problems – and the dream is telling us you can’t run away from this. Children have more nightmares than adults because they feel more vulnerable and helpless and have more fears. A child who has persistent dreams of drowning, getting lost or killed, or of suicide may have a serious emotional disturbance. A child who can’t remember any dreams may be depressed or suppressing a traumatic experience. He can’t bring himself to say he is afraid of his loving mother, for this goes against all his programming. Children are supposed to love their parents! So, his real fear is clothed in mythical images. The dream is telling him he has a fear he must deal with, but his training won’t let him face this
openly. He is not ready to admit, even to himself, who this monster is. He needs help because his fear is very real, but most likely he will be told to forget
it, it’s only a dream! Whenever a child dreams of being chased by a monster, it is a sure sign he is feeling threatened in some way and needs some love, understanding, and reassurance. It is important that he be helped to understand the real cause of his problem and to be shown how he can solve it. The monster is not always a family member – he may represent threats from other children, a teacher, relative, stranger, neighbour, a family argument, or even a scary movie. Whatever the cause, it is best dealt with as soon as possible. The same situation holds true for adults. Your nightmares, too, are caused by your fear and or some conflict between you and the authority figure you hesitate to confront. It can be a parent, relative, boss, teacher, situation, or whatever. Or, it can be
By Mariam Aftab
a clash between the real you and the persona, the façade you put on for people to see – the make-believe you. This battle between the two you’s would be more likely to show up as dreams of conflict, but the possibility exists for some neat nightmares. All too often, we teach and are taught how to avoid anything which is ugly, painful, distasteful, or upsetting to us. One of the most important things we need to learn is that our problems actually serve as beacons of light or as magnifying glasses, emphasizing or pointing out our most crippling fears, our most restrictive attitudes, prejudices, and misconceptions which are holding up our progress – things we really must face up to and overcome if we are to grow. We need to understand that our problems represent the lesson we need to learn. We are all in the process of becoming wiser, better, and more Godlike. The difficulties we face are like the gateway through which we must pass in order to proceed. Our problems are actually our teachers. Your first task after a nightmare is to identify the source of your fear. Where do you feel pressured? What do you fear or whom do you dread most to confront? Take a good look at both the background and the dream symbolism and try to get an answer by writing on a piece of paper and going through it a few times. Often for drama analysis or nightmares solution I make use of gestalt dialogue a form of therapy in which we enact the roles of the people we saw in our dream and try to find the real cause behind the nightmare. A lot of cases are solved by making use of this therapy. Healing tip: hold a moon stone in your left hand; it will enhance your meditating ability.
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