TheNation
JANUARY 22, 2012
the mood was light
STYLE | TRENDS | BOOKS | INTERVIEWS | art | q&A | SOCIETY
inside this week January 22, 2012
10. Fashion
50+1 things you didn’t know about Ayesha Omar
20. special report
The pros and cons of electronic voting
22. Hollywood
At the Golden Globes: the award goes to‌
Black SHEEP 26. Comment
Read about how cricket is still alive in the hearts of its fan
28. fashion
Saim showcases his latest collection in London
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Editor’s note We present to you another exciting issue of your very own Sunday Plus. Know inside out of the bubbly actress Ayesha Omar. She reveals the 50 + one things you never knew about her. On your popular demand we have introduced a new section S + spotted, which capture the crème de la crème sporting the latest, hit and hottest. Read special report on how electronic voting machines if introduced in the next general election could help in ensuring transparency of electoral system. Also read report on the Golden Globe Awards 2012. Designer Saim Ali is certainly going places. His third show in London was a runaway success. See it yourself on our fashion pages. Meet Gohar Gul one of the pioneers of kickboxing in Pakistan and learn how this sport is becoming popular among the masses. Sunday Plus pays tribute to the talented actress Meryl Streep who in the movie ‘The Iron Lady’ presents an intimate portrait of Margaret Thatcher the first and only female Prime Minister of UK. On our style pages model Aamina Sheikh present the new collection of label Sheep. Send us your comments and feedback at splus@nation.com.pk
TheNation
08.
Deputy Managing Director Rameeza Nizami
30.
Hollywood Meryl Streep Force of Nature
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34. Style
40. Society
Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis
60. Movie
Review of the latest Hollywood flick to hit theatres this week
62. Blog
Ruby talks about the latest trends in hair style, cut and tones
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64. Picks of the week
Go through the smart wish-list for the best buys and best picks for everyone
Editor The Nation Salim Bokhari Editor Magazine: Emanuel Sarfraz Editorial Staff: Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain, Sadaf Pervez & Navirah Zafar Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Talat Mahfooz Butt, Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, Hafiz Muhammad Nouman GM Marketing: Bilal Mahmood For advertising: Muhammad Zaeem: 0301 - 8463306 Salman Ahmed: 0300 - 4116792 Khalid Sheikh: 0345-5130728 Shiraz Akbar: 0333 - 2310851
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On display Black SHEEP and Luxury Pret collection
Sunday plus Editor-in-Chief Majid Nizami
Interview Things you didn’t know about Ayesha Omar
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30
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10 RENDEZVOUS By Bishakha Kunwar
50+1
things you want to know about
AYESHA OMAR We’ve all got one. A to-do list of things we want to achieve in the coming years or at least in our lifetime. But, while for most of us, that list rests quite happily in our heads occasionally spurring us on to do something more challenging, there's one person who has written her list and probably already started onto the next one. That person is Ayesha Omar. Ayesha seems to have transitioned from her early days at National College of Art into the world of hosting as a VJ in MTV, acting in television dramas, modelling, and designing. She has lent her vocals to the soundtracks of popular television dramas like Uraan and Ladies Park.
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
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Fashion
You can’t help but get swept away by the multitasking Ayesha. All set to release her new album, this stunning VJ turned actress, turned model and designer has now added singing to her CV. Even more refreshingly, her evolution comes with an attitude that says not so much, ‘carpe diem’ as ‘just do it’. As I discover, Ayesha the individual is a study of quirky contrasts. Underneath the perky freshness belies a powerhouse of talent. It’s difficult to imagine anyone else as Bulbulay’s Khoobsurat. The fun and intensity she brought to her characters as Natasha in Ladies Park and Sila in Dolly Ki Aayegi Barat shine through. Ayesha has also cofounded a clothing line Ayesha-Anoushey, with fellow VJ Anoushey Ashraf, in collaboration with the multi-brand store Labels in Karachi. Most of us see her as a symbol. Her personality reflects new age’s changing take on life. Supremely comfortable in her honey skin, she embodies the easy-cool take on life of 20something generation. Indeed, Ayesha Omar’s story is an inspiration for many Pakistani women. Her versatility and her perseverance make her a role model for the young aspirants to follow their dreams. Sunday Plus finds that the bubbly actress doesn’t have to try too hard and is full of surprises.
1. Who or what inspired you to become an actress?
Ayesha: Nothing really. It just happened because I was involved with the performing arts and theatre at a very young age. 2. Why have you concentrated more on comic roles like in Dolly Ki Aayegi Barat and Bulbuley as compared to your other roles?
Ayesha: I have not concentrated on comic roles intentionally. I have been doing serious roles too but coincidentally it is the comic stuff which has gained mass popularity. 3. When did you realise you wanted to be an actress? Tell us about your formal acting training and how much it has helped you?
Ayesha: I was doing a lot of theatre trainings when I was at Lahore Grammar School and continued this at National College of Arts. These early trainings have helped me immensely.
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 11
RENDEZVOUS
leased in a couple of months InshAllah, two serials are about to go on air soon, some more commercials and a lot more stuff happening in Bulbulay! 11. Who is your favourite actor and why? Ayesha: Lot of favourites, but some are Naseerlessons for five years when I was in uddin Shah, Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, school and was part of the school choir Robert de Niro, Anthony Hopkins, Amir throughout my school years. Then in Khan, Faisal Qureshi. Love them all for college, I was a part of the college band and we use to perform regularly at their immense talent and versatility. concerts and gigs. I also performed with 12. So far in your acting career, which costar(s) have you enjoyed working with a lot of underground bands in Lahore the most? while I was at college, so it was not a 4. In terms of doing commercials, we have Ayesha: I enjoy working with everyone and learn sudden motivation or twist in my life. seen you in both print and television I always wanted to sing professionally something from everyone. I get along commercials, which medium do you with people very easily and I’m not and my friends and colleagues had been enjoy the most? urging me to go professional for the last insecure or jealous of anyone. I love Ayesha: Television, because it has movement! working with Nadia Hussain, Azfar seven years! 5. Capri has chosen you as their Brand Rahman, Anoushay Ashraf, Maria Wasti, 7. Your resume has a diverse mixture. Ambassador, How does it feel repreWhich medium do you prefer working Hina Dilpazir, Shamoon Abbasi, to name senting Capri? a few. on the most, modelling vs. television? Ayesha: I’m most excited about being the 13. If given an opportunity, which director Brand Ambassador of such a great Ayesha: Television and music. would you love working with again? 8. Tell us about your acting career? How product and that too the variant made Ayesha: Marina Khan, Jaleel Akhtar, Salman stressful is this career? specifically for young girls. I feel most Ayesha: More stressful than you can imagine. It’s Shahid. honoured that Capri chose me to be a not all glamour and fame. It entails long 14. What are your favourite movies and role model and an example of success what type of movie genres do you enjoy for the young female generation of our working hours,(starting from 12 hours the most? of work on a daily basis and 16-18 hours country. Capri’s philosophy is not just Ayesha: I love period dramas, thrillers, art films, on some occasions too), erratic work based on looking beautiful but also foreign movies, rom-coms and sometimings like working till dawn or startfeeling beautiful and confident from the times cheesy flicks. My list of favourite ing work at 3 am, putting on make-up inside and pursuing your goals and ammovies is too long to list. everyday and abusing your skin, lack of bitions despite the odds and drawbacks proper meals, lack of proper bathrooms, 15. Think back to your first audition. What in life. I completely agree with that was it like? Do you get nervous for lack of sleep, working in extremely hot philosophy because I have followed that auditions? and humid environments with makeup myself throughout my life and I believe Ayesha: Can’t remember my first audition at all on all day, dealing with disrespectful that hardwork and self-confidence can but yes everyone gets nervous before illiterate men from all kinds of backmake you achieve anything you want. auditions! I still do! grounds who have no respect for women I hope I can live up to the expectations 16. What is that one role which you would in this industry, running after channels of Capri and the young generation, and give anything for? and production houses for our payments make a positive difference in their lives. Ayesha: A role in a movie by Quentin Tarantino for months and much more!!! 6. Tell us about your new endeavour as a 9. Was there any other career you were inor Tim Burton, or a part in the remake of singer? What inspired you and when Friends! terested in before you started acting? did you realise that you can go profes 17. What is the best part about acting? Ayesha: Painting and singing! sional? 10. What are your future projects? Flip side, what is the hardest? Ayesha: I have always been into singing since Ayesha: Yes lots more! My album is due to be re- Ayesha: All the stress is the hard part. I was a child. I took classical singing
12 Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
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RENDEZVOUS
to work hard. I have a positive approach towards everything and i love food.
27. Most beautiful childhood memory… Ayesha: My 5th birthday! :) 28. A city that inspires you… Ayesha: Istanbul! 29. The person who inspires you the most… Ayesha: My mother. Lack of privacy and time spent with 30. Dream destination and why… Ayesha: Barcelona or New York for their warmth loved ones are also the downsides of this career but the love and appreciation and madness respectively. from fans around you and the feeling 31. A crazy holiday memory… that you are actually making a differAyesha: Trying to catch an early morning flight ence in someone else’s life are the best after being up all night, and almost missing it! Another memory is getting highs ever. 18. What does success mean to you? stuck in the rain with a million shopping Ayesha: Working hard and doing your best at bags! what you do. The rest is upto Allah! 32. In life if given a second chance would 19. Your day starts with…. you do anything differently? Ayesha: Two glasses of water and a huge break- Ayesha: Yeah, maybe I would go abroad for my fast. Masters before I got settled into work! 20. You are addicted to… 33. The best thing about being a PakiAyesha: Food and music. stani… 21. An unknown fact about yourself… Ayesha: Colourful weddings with so much Hulla Gullah! Ayesha: I make my own breakfast and I love snakes. 34. One thing I would change about Paki 22. One thing you would like to change stan is… about yourself… Ayesha: Well, actually there are a million things I Ayesha: My short-temperedness and I wish I would change, but the first thing I would lessen is the rate of illiteracy in our was more patient! 23. Style statement… country. Ayesha: Whatever looks good on me yet is 35. What advice would you give to others comfortable and trendy! I am not brand who want to act? conscious at all and I love experimenting Ayesha: Don’t try and take shortcuts and work with colours. hard in every project you do! Try and 24. Beauty secret… learn something from everyone who Ayesha: None really, just lots of water, lots of you work with and please respect your food and vitamins. seniors and their experience! 25. Beauty crime… 36. Where do you see yourself in the next Ayesha: Putting on dark lip-liner and lighter 10 years? lipstick and making the lip shape bigger Ayesha: No idea, I take it as it comes. But maybe than your natural lip shape! Yuck! married and raising a family! 26. Personal weaknesses and personal strengths…
Ayesha: Personal weakness: Impatient, trust people too easily, addicted to shopping and sacrificing sleep for work. Personal strengths: My ability to bounce back after a low period and my ability
14 Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
tions, some ethnic chappals from the Gulf, lots of bracelets and bangles from an Afghan store, some make-up and a trolley full of groceries :)
39 Favourite items in your closet… Too many to list but my dark blue skinnies and white shirts are my all-time favourites! 40. Current obsession… Googling everything and buying hanging storage contraptions. 41. Oldest items in your closet My mother’s wedding clutch. 42. Faux pas… Ugly platforms with Salwar Kameez and kurtas which are too tight to breathe in. 43. Spring fashion list for you… Lots of white articles (kurtas, tops, shirts), lawn kurtas and loose white pants, pretty chappals and sandals, red toe nails, silver bangles and rings and lots of water!
FAV-O-METER….
44. 45.
Your favourite gadget…
My iPhone. Brands you buy…
Oh lots…Stella Mcartney, Clarins, Clinique, Aldo, Forever 21, River Island, Rayban, Nine West, Khaadi to name a few.
CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL
46. Your favourite colours… I love all colours but these days I’m loving yellow and coral. 47. Your favourite books… Too many to list but I recently read a fabulous book by an African author called “Half of a Yellow Sun” 48. Your favourite perfume… “Stella” by Stella McCartney. 49. Your comfort food… Chocolates and chilli chips. 50. Your farewell line is… I’ll see you soon..Bye!
A basic white shirt or top, a black dress or formal top, dark blue skinny jeans. 38. Recent purchases…
+1
37. 3 must-haves in anyone’s closet …
Five different kinds of hanging contrap-
Your journey so-far…
Ayesha: Has been quite smooth MashAllah!
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16 Fashion
by emnaual serfraz
Ammar Belal mixes with a
waistcost from his “Disco Inferno” collection
We want to know what our crème de la crème are sporting and we want to tell the world about it!
Nickie wearing kurta from Nickie & Nina’s latest collection
S+spotted
Jugun Kazim spotted with a Pink Balenciaga
Ali Xeeshan keeps
it cosy in a Fendi scarf
Huma Adnan with a
friend donning Fnk Asia 20 Sunday Plus January 01, 2012
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18 en vogue We bring you the best Jimmy Choo looks as seen on our favourite Hollywood celebrities.
Lea Michele
Kirsten Dunst
CHOO-ing us
Best Actress nominee
Jimmy Choo Linda sandals Viola Davis
Busy Phillips carried the Jimmy Choo TUBE clutch
Ginnifer Goodwin wearing Kryle Jimmy Choo
Mary J Blige carried the
Sunday Plus January 15, 2012
Jimmy Choo CYBELLE clutch
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20 Special Report by Talal Raza
Electronic voting machines:
Will they bring any change?
“Can we to put a reliable check on voters”? “Yes”. This is the answer that one gets from those who think that elections can be more transparent if we employ technology in voting process.
A
few weeks ago, it was reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan would buy 200,000 sophisticated Electronic Voting Machines that will cost around Rs. 5 to 6 million. The EVMs will be used in the next general elections, to be held any time after the parliament passes the budget in June 2012. EVMs are already in use around the world in countries like UK, USA, New Zealand, Brazil and even in our neighboring country India. With EVMs, votes are cast using buttons a machine, instead of ballot paper. The vote that is being cast, stores in the memory of the EVM. EVM also automatically calculate the number of votes cast for each candidate. Thus, there is neither a need for a ballot paper nor a need to manually count the votes. Many people argue that with EVMs, many of the challenges of manual voting have been overcome. For instance, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on printing ballot papers. Also, human errors are removed that may arise otherwise while counting the votes manually. The political agents and election staff can less likely influence the voting in favor of their favorite candidate. For instance, in manual voting there is a fair chance that the ballot box can be stuffed with ballot papers by the election staff in favor of particular candidates whereas with EVMs, the machine only records the votes that are cast by the registered voter. In fact it is said that EVMs lessen the influence of fraudulent practices of the election staff that may otherwise be carried out in manual voting. Above all, it
Sunday Plus January 20, 2012
is fast and efficient as compared to the manual voting system. Research has proved that voting patterns can be influenced even with EVMs and that results can be tampered. On a website called indiaevm. org, technology experts demonstrated how the EVMs used in India can be tampered with by replacing a hardware component with another. Basically, the information about the votes for a candidate is stored in a hardware component and can be replaced or tampered with using mobile technology components. In the context of Pakistan where energy crises are at their peak nowadays, one also wonders how ECP would ensure electricity for such machines. Would the EC be willing to provide generators for each polling station so that the voting doesn’t stop? Another worry is if data may be lost once the electricity goes off. How are we going to retain the data as we won’t have ballot papers? It is to be noted that countries like Ireland and some states in America have adopted systems in which electronic voting is complemented with ballot paper while
voting. This ensures that even if the data on EVM memory is lost the ballot paper is there to help maintain records of the votes being casted. From a political perspective, one wonders if the socio-political culture in Pakistan can be changed where people vote on the basis of clans, where votes are cast from the fear of Chaudharies and landlords, who may pose a threat not just to their livelihood but their lives, where people vote for the candidate whom they think has political influence and can benefit them one way or the other Also, many people do not vote at all or haven’t registered their vote yet. Also, those who dare to stuff the ballot boxes in manual voting can also dare to cast votes on the machine with the help of election staff at the polling booth. In fact, more than the flaws in the manual voting, there are many other socio political factors that play a major role during the Election Day. As long as people continue to vote based on clans, feudals continue to supervise elections in village, and as long as people are appointed in election commission on the basis of favoritism instead of merit, EVMs cannot ensure transparency alone in the election process. Without changing these socio political factors, no matter how the votes are cast, the voting patterns may not change especially in rural areas. It is indeed commendable that the initiative has been taken by the Election Commission of Pakistan to make the voting electronic. However, a lot of work needs to be done to raise political awareness among the masses. We need to liberate masses of any pressure of the clan, feudal etc., without which transparent elections seem to be a dream!
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22 HOLLYWOOD George Clooney with the Best Performance for The Descendants..
Meryl Streep takes home her golden globe for The Iron Lady
Kate Winslet wins the Globe for Mildred Pierce
Michelle Williams for My Week with Marilyn
Madonna wins for The Masterpiece
At the Globes,
the mood was light with lots of heart ugh, joying a good la en r fo n ow kn few While ds 2012 took a ar w eA b lo G en the Gold guffaws, ts between the serious momen iams as g Michelle Will rin no ho g in ud incl eek medy for My W co a in s es tr ac Globe best e 2012 Golden th ut B n. ily ar With M e film expected for th Awards went as ectations d defied all exp an -s ee in m no TV winners. when it came to
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
For the big screen contenders, favorites “The Descendants” and “The Artist” took home the Best Picture awards, for Drama and Musical/Comedy, respectively. George Clooney and Jean Dujardin won the corresponding Best Actor awards. In the main actress categories, Meryl Streep and Michelle Williams both won for playing historical icons; Streep, for her turn as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” and Williams for her role as Marilyn Monroe in “My Week With Marilyn.” On the TV side, “Homeland” won Best Drama Series, giving the freshman series a win over “Boardwalk Empire” and “Modern Family” repeated as Best Comedy. Not too unexpected, sure, but how about Best Actors: for Drama, Kelsey Grammer won for “Boss” and in Comedy; Matt LeBlanc won for “Episodes.” Meanwhile, Ricky Gervais was rather timid, getting in some fun digs at the HFPA and Kim Kardashian in his monologue, but largely avoiding the low hanging fruit: no Charlie Sheen, no Tom Cruise, hardly any divorce jokes outside of one mention in his monologue.
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Clare Danes in J.Mende
Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace Emma Stone in Lanvin
Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci
ERS OF THE
HERE ARE THE WINN
EN 69th ANNUAL GOLD GLOBE AWARDS: MOTION PICTURES
dants. Picture, Drama: The Descen : The Artist. edy Com or l sica Mu Picture, y, The Descendants. one Actor, Drama: George Clo , The Iron Lady. eep Str ryl Actress, Drama: Me o. Director: Martin Scorsese, Hug n Dujardin, The Jea : edy Com or l sica Mu or, Act Artist. edy: Michelle Williams, l Actress, Musical or Com My Week with Marilyn. pher Plummer, Beginl Supporting Actor: Christo
l l l l l l
l l l l l l
ners. Spencer, The Help. Supporting Actress: Octavia . tion ara Foreign Language: A Sep of Tintin. s ure ent Adv Animated Film: The ht in Paris. nig Mid n, Alle ody Wo : Screenplay Artist. The , rce Original Score: LudovicBou and lyrics sic (mu ” iece erp Original Song: “Mast my Harry, W.E. by Madonna, Julie Frost, Jim
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Nicole Kidman in Versace
TELEVISION
l Series, Drama: Homelan d, Showtime. l Actor, Drama: Kelsey Gra mmer, Boss. l Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland. l Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt LeBlanc, Episodes. l Actress, Musical or Come dy: Laura Dern, Enlighten ed. l Miniseries or Movie: Do wnton Abbey (Masterpiec e),” PBS. l Actor, Miniseries or Movie : Idris Elba, Luther. l Actress, Miniseries or Mo vie: Kate Winslet, Mildre d Pierce. l Supporting Actress, Min iseries or Movie: Jessica Lange, American Horror Story l Supporting Actor, Minise ries or Movie: Peter Dinkla ge, Game of Thrones
ED Y ANNOUNC PREVIOUSlLCecil B. DeMille Lifetime eeman ard: Morgan Fr Achievement Aw
January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 23
26 comment by Mariam Ishaq
YOUNG CRICKET YOUNG PAKISTAN
I can still remember the first time I beat my male cousins at a sport they loved, cherished and thought only boys could be good at. I was 14 years old then. I grew up loving this game just like everyone else in the neighborhood, city and country. Heated debates, discussions over silly crushes, referring to the cricketers not by their names, but by nicknames, watching entire matches like there is no tomorrow, ball-by-ball updates, I think we all lived for those. Still do.
I
t is ironic how a sport can have enough power and passion in it, to unite 170 million people. The same people who are confused when it comes to politics, economics and morals. The same people who think that a Cricketer turned politician would alleviate them from problems persisting for the past 60 years. The same people who practice the same sport, not because they want to be in the team, but simply because it is now a part of their identity. Lala, Gul, Misbah, Waqar, and ofcourse Wasim Bhai, all seem family to these 170 million people. I love my country. And its people. We make history, every time we’re fighting on the ground. After all, we are the World’s Greatest Team. Who beat Sri Lanka today. But, nothing to be overly excited about. It is just another day in the World’s Greatest Team’s life. All because of one sport: Cricket. The green jersey I have worn to all Cricket Matches I have ever witnessed, make me feel important. The number 10 on it, reminds me, the one person I am very proud to have on the team. Just like you all. I have seen this number appear on various roadside matches, where little kids imitate the signature pose of the legend, hoping one day, to be in his shoes. I had always thought this dream of theirs, would be a dream, until recently, I came across a friend’s brother, who had happened to train with 19 other boys at the National
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
Cricket Academy, under the program “Pepsi Cricket Star 2011” amongst worldclass cricketers, spending over a month, learning the expertise of batting, bowling, keepering and fielding. This initiative, I later learnt, was part of a movement by Pepsi, as a desperate attempt to bring into limelight, the talent that the youth of Pakistan possessed, but had not been given an opportunity, to exercise their ability and passion. Today is the time, that I would like to give another standing ovation to the men in green. For all that they have ever done for us, and for all that Lala will make them do for us. It does not matter if they have faced ball-tampering controversies, match fixing allegations, doping issues, or spot fixing. One win against India, will make me forget whatever
resentment I might have had in my heart. One more Wasim Akram being born, in the form of a roadside cricketer coming to play for the national team, would make him my next hero. So, Thankyou. For bringing to us all the pure joy of entertainment, passion and unity, together. I love my people. I love my country. There is nothing about it that I would like to change, other than, obviously, the most obvious things: politicians, and well, politicians. But, other than this, there is not much that I would like to change. Because I know, every time there is cricket on television, the unity that Quaid spoke of, is apparent; the Faith is present, and discipline, it comes to us in the form of a cricketer turned politician, years later.
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28 Fashion
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
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Fashion
Rendezvous in London
Fashion Designer Saim Ali set the ramp on fire in London for the third time in row. His latest winter collection was a treat to watch at the Radisson Portman Square Hotel in Central London. This event was organised by Vision Event International. Saim Ali choreographed his show himself.
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 29
Meryl Streep Force of Nature
30 hollywood
‘The Iron Lady’ is an intimate portrait of Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep), one of the 20th century’s most famous and controversial figures and the first and only female Prime Minister of The United Kingdom. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (who previously directed Meryl Streep in ‘Mamma Mia!’), ‘The Iron Lady’ co-stars Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Nicholas Farrell, Susan Brown, Roger Allam, Anthony Head, Julian Wadham, Pip Torrens, Nick Dunning, Richard E. Grant, David Westhead, Angus Wright, Alexandra Roach, Harry Lloyd and John Sessions. The film has released in December 30th in the US, and January 6th in the UK. When did this role first come to your attention? Meryl Streep: From working on ‘Mamma Mia!’me and Phyllida had been speaking periodically. I had been telling her about my dream to make a movie about Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. I know that sounds funny, but I have an interest in things that we don’t want to handle in movies or look at, because I think anything forbidden is exciting, you know? Nudity is nothing; it’s not really a provocation. Try and talk about leaving and dying and all those things. And this particular take that Abi Morgan took with this screenplay was really really great.
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
Three days in the life of a little old lady, who just happens to be the person who was the longest serving Prime Minister in the 20th century and the only female in the western world who ruled a nuclear country. Pretty interesting stuff, to look at a life ebbing in its diminishment. That really interested me. Were you ever concerned about portraying her? Playing someone whose views may be vastly different to your own? Meryl Streep: No, I just think that there are so many secrets in lives we’ve decided we know everything about. That’s what I like to know about, I like to know the other stuff. I had already
decided that I knew everything about Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, everybody I disagreed with (laughs). But you don’t know everything, that’s why we’re alive; to learn more. And, God, the compassionate journey into disagreeable territory…I don’t know, I really like to portray prickly people, difficult women on a certain level. And I remember what it was like in 1979, I went to High School when there was no girls sports, none. It was just a given, if you wanted to jump up and down you could be a cheerleader. But this really appealed to every feminist bone in my body, and I know it is a dirty word nowadays, it did, the achievement, how she got there?
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hollywood
How hard it had to have been, how she had to have been 10 times more prepared than everybody. How was the preparation process? And while preparing for this film, what interesting things did you discover or re-discover about Margaret Thatcher? Meryl Streep: I thought I’d really be prepared to do this one, some of them you can just sort of roll out of bed and go to work (laughs). This one, I realized that there would be a different kind of challenge. So I knew I had to read a lot, I gave a lot of time to that. But in terms of having the time to prepare, to immerse myself in the character, a lot of things happened in my life that I couldn’t get ready – life took over. So Phyllida had given us two weeks of rehearsal in London, I came and said, “Can we have one week of rehearsal, can I just sit in my house and eat, sleep and dream Margaret Thatcher for the other week?” And Phyllida said, “Yes.” So that was amazing. I sort of went to jail, shut myself up and did all the cramming that I could. It was nerveracking (laughs). It was interesting, because everyone had a blood red opinion of Margaret Thatcher. We talked to a number of people that were not necessarily her friend in the days. But there was a common thread through all the assessments, friend and foe….bitter foe! But it was valuable; you could see a through-line of a person, of the relentlessness of the determination. There were certain elements that were very suprising. I was told you got a lot of the physicality of her from her speech? Meryl Streep: Absolutely. I took
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That’s what I like to know about, I like to know the other stuff. I had already decided that I knew everything about Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, everybody I disagreed with (laughs). But you don’t know everything, that’s why we’re alive; to learn more. speeches she gave in the House of Commons that aren’t in the film, and I just tried to say them along with her. I have so much drama school, and I could not keep up with the breath, and the attachment to conviction, and the thought that follows through in the breath. They taught us in drama school that thought is carried on the breathe, so if you can possibly get to the end of the sonnet without breathing you will convey the point. But listening to her gave me an idea of really the reserves of strength that she had, and also how she had to stand and sit and always be alert. The voice, you know, that’s like the easiest thing that I do. In my brain, that’s the kid part of it, you know, copying a voice in my head that I’ve
heard before. And it just comes in, and I work hard – I mean, it’s not easy – I work hard, too. But for me, its part of a whole thing to capture how someone speaks is to capture them, because how people speak delivers their personality, on a certain level. And, you know, like me? I hesitate. I’m like, I say, “Like.” I look around the room for the answer to the question that I’ve partially forgotten what it were (laughs). But to me, that’s character. That tells you about Margaret Thatcher, from the moment she drew breath, she knew where she was going. So I don’t think of it as separate from the other work of living as someone else and taking on their body, and their cares, and their feeling, and who they love, and what they miss. Is there anything in particular you would really like people to take from watching this movie? Meryl Streep: I would like to think that when everybody got on the subway and saw some old lady sitting across from them, that they would imagine that there was a whole huge life lay behind all those wrinkles and that seemingly nondescript forgettable….. I mean, there is almost nothing less interesting in our consumerist society than an old lady. Dismissed. We don’t make movies for her, we don’t give a damn, and we can’t sell her anything because she doesn’t buy anything. But just the idea that everything, the whole panoply of human experience: births, deaths, struggles, joy, everything’s in there. And just to imagine that, that’s what I would hope.
January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 31
34 style
Black SHEEP SHEEP caters to the confident, modern-day woman with earthy, muted shades and clean embellishments.
Sunday Plus January 15, 2012
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style
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January 15, 2012 Sunday Plus 35
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style
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January 15, 2012 Sunday Plus 37
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Label: SHEEP Photographer: Kohi Marri Model: Aamina Sheikh Make up: Rukaiya's
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38 Sunday Plus January 15, 2012
40 society Launched at the Designers KARACHI:
Syma&Hamna of Sonar launched at The Designers in Karachi. Hair & make-up for the models was executed by Style Q salon under the supervision of Angie Marshal, whereas the clothes were provided by Asim Jofa. The PR of the event was managed by VOILA. The event itself was managed by Savvy PR & events. 1
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 41
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Red Bull Kart Fight LAHORE: A 100 participants, a jam packed venue, live gaming, food, music and a fierce kart fight – this and more was the order of the night at Red Bull Kart Fight 2011. Noor Maneka, a hot favorite in the world of Kart Fighting, grabbed the first position. Red Bull athlete and female race car ralley driver from Turkey, Burcu Cetinkaya, along with her codriver Cicek, also graced the occasion, adding a 1 Nawab, Ahmed, Shafak,
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ZONG collaborates with Man Utd LAHORE:
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ZONG, the fastest growing network of Pakistan, has launched its highly anticipated Manchester United cobranded SIM in an exciting event held at Royal Palm Golf and Country. The event hosted to officially launch the SIM was well attended by socialites, celebrities, industry leaders, experts and members of the ZONG family.
1 The SIM launching ceremony 2 Mr. Fan Yunjun CEO, ZONG shaking
hands with Mr Sajid Mahmood CCO/CIO ZONG at the SIM unveiling ceremony.
3 Saad Haroon 4 Kiran Chaudhry 5 Nadia Hussain
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus
44 society Design Your Own Kurta Lahore:
Labels, located at Vogue Towers on M,M. Alam Road, recently held a unique and novel event called Design - Your - Own - SIlk - Kurta event where top designers such as SairaRizwan, Ayesha Khurram, SRS, NSR, Teena by Hina Butt, Kaamdani by Sonia Hummayun and Iffat Omar and Zainab Salman participated. The event’s media and PR was managed by Voila PR. 1
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1 Ambreen & Hijab 2 Uzma & Sumbal 3 Babar & Kinza 4 Farah 5 Saad & Zainab 6 Roshana & Anaab 7 Humaira 8 Mrs. Akram & Hina Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 45
46 society Re-invented CasaHamza Lahore:
Hamza Tarar and Hasan Sheikh celebrated the re-invention of Casa Hamza, an H & H Project with their close friends and family. The event was managed by Bilal Mukhtar Events & PR. 1
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 47
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X-CLUB LAUNCH LAHORE: Jb&jaws events and Encyclomedia PR recently organised the launch of leisure club (X-club) flagship store at the Vogue Tower. 2
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50 society Bonbon Cinnabon KARACHI:
Cinnabon was launched recently at Clifton. 1
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January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 51
52 Fashion
AKS: Up & Rising
AKS, meaning reflection, is a jewelry brand which is all set to take the Pakistani market by storm. The AKS range comprises of silver jewelry and accessories. It is managed by Komal Sultan, Marketing Director, with her team. AKS is not just another jewelry store but a brand with an ideology that”Beauty is timeless.”
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
1. How long have you been in the industry? I have been in this industry for thelast six months. 2. Did you always know this is what you wanted to do? Not exactly, but yes I have always had the passion. I have always dreamt of becoming a part of some famous brand but to be honest to become part of a brand is nothing as compared to establishing an entirely new brand when you have limited resources and a mammoth competition. 3. How easy/hard has it been breaking into the industry? It entirely depends upon the strategy and the right execution of the strategy. I know there are barriers to enter in every industry but at the same time, I believe that there is always a room for improvement. 4. What are some of the problems you’ve faced? Well, there are a lot of problems that one has to face while establishing a new business. It was not at all easy for us to negotiate for prime locations for our outlets. 5. Do you feel the industry welcomes new comers? The Industry does not exactly welcome new comers. 6. What inspired you to take the leap and join the industry? I wanted to utilize the existing opportunities in the best possible way so that not only I benefit from it but also our community as a whole. 7. What advice would you give to others trying to break into the industry? My only advice is never compromise on the quality and services of your product. Your business directly depends on sales, which depends upon the quality of your product. 8. What styles/themes do you mostly work with? We intend to present silver
in many unique ways. However, we will not restrict ourselves to just any particular category. Our jewellery is an inspiration from various cultures both traditional and contemporary. 9. Do you have a particular style or do you prefer experimenting with everything? We like experimenting with only exclusive things. Exclusivity is our benchmark. 10. Who do you look up to in the industry? Well unfortunately there are not much brands existing in silver jewellery category. However, I believe international brands like Damas, Solitaire, Swarovski are worth it! 11. Looking back, do you wish you’d done anything different when it comes to your career? Not really. I believe I will always cherish the learning experience that I have had through all this time. I am very happy with the path I chose for myself. 12. What comes next? It always is and will be about achieving a broader vision. I, along with my team AKS, will be directing my best efforts to achieve what we have aimed for AKS. The launch is what we all are focusing on at this moment and we will be launching AKS with a splash, very soon! These are some other questions that would go in a multi designer interview: please answer these also: 1) What are your hopes from 2012? Well, the hopes are high and very positive. We hope to launch AKS in the best spirits and we are hoping to achieve the initial goals that we have set for AKS for the year 2012. 2) What is in for 2012? The style is going to be glamorous and bold I believe.
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54 art
Wildlife
in sculptors Recently, an exhibition of sculptures by SaroopSoofi was held at Lahore Arts Council. The exhibition was inaugurated by SaleemaHashim and attended by artist community and media personnel.
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aroop Soofi is a National College of Arts graduate and her work featured a collection of stuffed animals and birds. Her work is inspired from surroundings and personal experience. While talking to Sunday Plus, the talented artist pointed out, “My work draws upon opposing elements that I observe in my surroundings and through personal experiences. Abjec-
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
tion’, attraction’ and repulsion are the main ideas that I boldly express through my art works.” She further stated, “Apparently, a morbid element in my works is usually there and I juxtapose morbidity with beauty: I pick up ordinary things which are conventionally conceived to be ugly and create an aesthetic dimension which appeals to the imagination.” The exhibition continued for a week and received an enthusiastic response with people of all walks of life attending.
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56 right off the shelf
Inside Afghanistan There is a Taliban solution and there is a CIA solution and then there was Abdul Haq solution. Lucy Morgan Edwards’ book, The Afghan Solution: The inside Story of Abdul Haq, the CIA and how Western Hubris Lost Afghanistan is a book that discusses in detail the Abdul Haq solution. It is a story of a strong Arsala Pashtun family of Commander Abdul Haq, a former Mujahidin and Northern Alliance leader and Haq’s solution for Afghan transition.
A Title: The Afghan Solution: The inside Story of Abdul Haq, the CIA and how Western Hubris Lost Afghanistan Author: Lucy Morgan Edwards | No of Pages: 368 Price: Rs 1595 | Genre: Politics
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
bdul Haq, being a significant resistance fighter against Soviet occupation of Afghanistan decided to join ranks with Northern Alliance against Taliban. In days leading to 9/11, he, supported by American investment managers Ritchie brothers, worked on a solution that would focus on toppling Taliban regime through defection of key Taliban commanders. The transition focused on using the clout of King Zahir Shah, Afghanistan’s last symbol of stability, as the figurehead. Book argues that if that route had been
taken, Afghanistan would have achieved a smooth transition in which Taliban would have been ousted and replaced by a stable regime under Zahir Shah. The book also discusses the sidelining of Arsala family from Afghan affairs and affairs of Jalalabad and other Eastern provinces and the way US and allies led to installation of Mujahidin leaders aka warlords. It discusses the circumstances leading to Abdul Haq’s death and then the death of his brother Haji Qadeer. The book is a good narrative of author’s
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right off the shelf personal experiences and is rich in information about Arsala’s view on Afghan situation. It also brings to light the firsthand accounts of author’s interaction with diplomats, journalists, women rights activists, and key militant commanders of Afghanistan. The book, however, is a disappointment. The disappointment is most resounding, on three accounts. First, it is not well researched. One could find many instances in the book which are based on hearsay and are far from reality. Consider, for instance, the assertion that Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was hanged in a public garden. Now whether through such assertions, author tries to make the book spicier for western audience, or these are the result of poor research can be left to reader’s own judgment. A bigger account on which the book disappoints is the flawed logic. Since Ms Edwards main interaction with Afghanistan has been through Arsalas , book’s biased narration overlooks a number of ground realities. For instance, how could a King, who is 80 and ruled when most of the present population of Afghanistan was not born, be the symbol of stability? How could you reverse the clock 30 years and with it reverse the changing power realities on ground, war lords among them? And then the assertion that West should have waited for Haq formula to work before beginning strikes on Taliban regime is based on hindsight alone and does not take into account the imperfection of intelligence and inherent uncertainty in the issue at the time of decision. The book also brushes aside Arsalas involvement into the drug business and the distrust it would draw from foreign players in the conflict. However, what I find most disturbing is the notion that Afghanistan is not ready for democracy yet and lives in some pre-dated social structure. Ms Edwards seems to be of the clan of Western observers who proclaim being experts on any region based on mere stays, visits, and limited interaction in foreign lands. In a blatant contradiction, she on one hand asserts that Afghan women and rights group are vibrant and are adamant on getting their rights through political struggle, and on the other she is propagating Haq formula which relies on a tribal political order. May be what Ms. Edwards and people like her need to consider is that in the political flux, the next level of equilibrium lies in democratic, representative, all inclusive society of Afghanistan, everything from warlords to tribal structure to monarchy to authoritarian regime has been tried and has failed.
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Interviews with History and Conversations with Power Author: Oriana Fallaci | Pages: 280 | Price: Rs. 2,750 | Genre: World History Synopsis: A posthumous compilation of this award-winning and best selling writer and journalist’s seminal, historic interviews. Oriana Fallaci was granted access to countless world leaders and politicians throughout her remarkable career. Considering herself a writer rather than a journalist, she was never shy about sharing her opinions of her interview subjects. Her most memorable interviews some translated into English for the first time appear in this collection, including those with Ariel Sharon, Yassir Arafat, the former Shah of Iran, Lech Walesa, the Dalai Lama, Robert Kennedy, and many others. Also featured is the famous 1972 interview in which she succeeded in getting Henry Kissinger to call Vietnam a “useless war” and to describe himself as “a cowboy.” To this day he calls the Fallaci interview “the most disastrous conversation I ever had with the press.”
The Emperor’s Writings: Memories of Akbar the Great Author: Dirk Collier | No of Pages: 629 | Price: Rs. 1,395 | Genre: Memoirs Review: Akbar the Great (1543-1605), the greatest of the Mughal emperors of India, was not only the most powerful and wealthiest monarch of his time, but, also the most enlightened one. A firm proponent of universal tolerance and religious freedom for all, he welcomed to his court, representatives of all religions known to him: Muslims, Hindus, Jains, Parsis, Jews, and even Jesuit priests from the Portuguese settlements in Goa. At a time when Europe found itself plagued by bloody religious wars, he succeeded in unifying the various creeds of Hindustan under his victorious banners, and created a strong Mughal Empire that still amazes us with the splendour of its art and architecture. Admirably researched and written in a magnificently evocative, compelling prose, it narrates the true story of Akbar’s life and times, his swift and spectacular rise to absolute power, often against overwhelming odds, and his remarkably modern vision of a prosperous, diverse and tolerant Hindustan, against the backdrop of his eventful personal life, his relationship with his favourite wife, and tragic conflict with Salim (Jahangir), his only surviving son and bitter rival.
KaIsay KaIsay LoAg Author: Prof. Saddiq Ali Mirza | Genre: Biographies | Price: Rs 200 Reviewer: Prof. Anwar Hussain Syed Review: The book, ‘Kasay Kasay Log’ by Prof. Saddiq Ali Mirza has paid a literary tribute to some of the prolific writers, poets and his friends who have left a profound impact on his life. He has shared the memorable moments of his life with prominent and indefinite people which include; Haji Ghulam Mohyuddin, Khalifa Sahab, Syed Khursheed Hussain Bokhari, Peerzada Ahmed Nadeem Qasmi, Syed Nafees Al Hussani Shah to Sheikh Abdul Ghani, Syed Mashkoor Hussain Yaad and others.
January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 57
58 sports
ck i K ing x g bno n i w s l ful i
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With over 30 years of experience, Gohar Gul is one of the pioneers of kickboxing in Pakistan and perhaps the most professional and technical martial artists in Pakistan. Having numerous credentials, he has performed in various international platforms in East Asia and for many years he has been sharing his skills with people all over Pakistan. Currently, he is teaching a comprehensive Kickboxing program at ActOne studio in Karachi.
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
nder Gohar’s guidance, ActOne recently completed round one of Pakistan’s first ever kickboxing Tournament called “Muay Thai Kickboxing Tournament.” This extremely popular event attracted young contenders. Sunday Plus talks to Guru Gauhar about kickboxing in Pakistan, his passion and the tournament. Q: CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE ART OF KICKBOXING TO THOSE WHO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THIS SPORT? HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS SPORT? GAUHAR: Kickboxing incorporates various forms of martial arts, with a heavy emphasis on Muay Thai – a martial art originating from Thailand. Muay Thai’s teachings go beyond physical training and revolve around mental grooming,converting certain joints of the body into weapons and using one’s hands and feet as the primary assault tool. The rigorous program aims to build endurance, physical strength, self-dependence and responsibility. As the old saying goes – one learns to fight so that one doesn’t have to fight. Life was tough when I was a young boy as I had to endure a lot of difficulty. When I got into kickboxing, I was exposed to discipline, hard work and responsibility. Q: WHY RESPONSIBILITY? GAUHAR: Because in kickboxing I learnt that when you become a good fighter, there is a lesser reason to get into a fight. It can take a few seconds for me to snap my opponentrendering them useless, but because I know I can do that, is the reason I don’t do it. A regular person has no clue, how he exposes all
his weaknesses. You can stand in front of me right now and I can point out at least 20 different ways in which I could lay a permanent injury on you. That is the skill of a kick boxer and that is why individuals who learn kickboxing learn the meaning of responsibility. It matures them beyond their age and that is a very respectful trait. Q: WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF KICKBOXING? GAUHAR: The focus should be on your arms and your legs. They are your weapons in short and long range. Once the technique is mastered they are highly effective tools for inflicting damage. But our bodies have numerous weak points and we must learn to protect them. A kick boxer should never expose his weak points. So the third element is defense, the knowledge and ability to defend yourself. Q: WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS NEEDED TO BECOME A KICKBOXING CHAMPION? GAUHAR: You requiremaximum commitment, six to seven hours of daily workout routine. That means you follow a complete body workout program that involves kicking, punching, running, and physical exertion. Focusing on the basics is the key to a good fighter, once you polish your defenseskills, your offense becomes accurate as you take fewer hits. Q: TELL US ABOUT KARACHI’S FIRST EVER KICKBOXING TOURNAMENT. WHAT INSPIRED THIS TOURNAMENT? GAUHAR: I feel it was only a matter of time. I have many students and this is a platsplus@nation.com.pk
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Life was tough when I was a young boy as I had to endure a lot of difficulty. When I got into kickboxing, I was exposed to discipline, hard work and responsibility.
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form where students have the opportunity to display their skills and take on challenging opponents. With the help of ActOne, the competition is on and we will be seeing many more. Q: IS KICKBOXING A DANGEROUS SPORT? GAUHAR: Certainly, it can be quite brutal. When you take a punch straight on your face or a jab on your ribs, the consequences are painful. That is why defense is such a huge factor and rigorous workout helps to build endurance. Q: WHAT SKILLS ARE NEEDED TO BECOME A KICKBOXING STAR? GAUHAR: Skills are developed; a person needs to be fit. Q: KICKBOXING IS OFTEN LINKED TO FITNESS, WHY IS THIS SO? GAUHAR: The workout program is very extensive and challenging. When you focus on punching or kicking, you’re using 100% of your limbs. Endurance training, breathing exercises and muscle building are all part of fitness. Q: IS KICKBOXING A DIFFICULT SPORT TO LEARN? GAUHAR: Not really, like every sport it requires discipline, focus and commitment. However, this sport will injure you, if you are not prepared. So, it is important to note that only continuous training will make a good kickboxer.
January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 59
60 MOVIE
by SYED ALI NAQVI
The Iron Lady THE PLAYERS: Genre: Drama | Biography director: Phyllida Lloyd Cinematography: Elliot Davis Actors: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant, Olivia Colman, Alexandra Roach and Harry Lloyd. writers: Abi Morgan Music: Thomas Newman
The Iron Lady defies northsouth divide “The Iron Lady,” a look at the life of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, with a focus on the price she paid for power. Thatcher is played by Meryl Streep and as one would expect, Streep is sensational here. She embodies Thatcher and she’s riveting to watch.
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ERFORMANCE OF DEPTH IN A FILM OF SURFACES Margaret Thatcher remains divisive, even as she uncharacteristically retreats from the spotlight at the age of 86. To some, she was Britain’s energizing saviour during her 11 years, 1979 to 1990, as the country’s first female prime minister. To others, she was “Attila the Hen,” destroyer of rights and traditions. Phyllida Lloyd’s biopic The Iron Lady, penned by Shame screenwriter Abi Morgan, has met with similar extremes across the Pond: applause at some screenings, angry picketers at others. Critical reaction has been equally mixed. No less an authority than British PM David Cameron has sighed over the emphasis the film places on Thatcher’s long fight with dementia. There is but one constant in all of this, which continues as The Iron Lady finally arrives on these shores: Meryl Streep’s
Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
towering portrayal as Thatcher. It’s almost beside the point to praise a Streep performance, or to predict Oscar glory once again, since she rarely makes a false step. But all kudos are deserved, because her Thatcher represents a career achievement. She nails the accent perfectly. Streep has also mastered Thatcher’s withering stare, so often directed with lethal malice at the many men who dared to cross her. More than this, Streep gets under the skin of one of the 20th century’s most dynamic and also most contained personalities. She fully intuits the public and the private Thatcher, playing her with energy and empathy both in her potent middle years as a controversial and groundbreaking politician and as an elderly widow vexed by memories real and imagined. Alas, Streep’s achievements exceed those of the film, which would have served
better as the concluding chapter of a quality BBC miniseries. Cameron has a point when he complains that The Iron Lady spends too much time on Thatcher’s diminished later years, where victory is marked by how well she eludes her police security team as she toddles down to the corner market to fuss over milk prices. Lloyd and Morgan employ the controversial device of the ghost spouse. Thatcher’s late husband Denis, played by the reliable Jim Broadbent, appears frequently as Thatcher’s spectral companion, offering advice and admonishments with equally loving devotion. It’s a difficult trick to pull off, and its use here has not been universally applauded. But to me, it’s a perfect evocation by two superlative actors of the almost supernatural bond that longtime couples achieve.
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MOVIE Less impressive, though understandable given the 70-odd years the film traverses, is the significant compression of events. A few quick scenes carry us through Thatcher’s transformation from prim 1940s schoolgirl Margaret Roberts (ably played by Welsh actress Alexandra Roach) into the ruthless politician Margaret Thatcher of the 1970s, determined to free Britain from government coddling and trade union grasping. Thatcher’s many battles with union leaders and their political allies are reduced to a shouting match in Parliament and to a moment where she walks by rotting bags of refuse during a garbage strike. Her political tango with then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan, her friend, ally and inspiration, is made literal by one quick waltz across the floor.
At least Reagan makes the film, if only for an eye blink. Queen Elizabeth is MIA, and so is what would have been a casting coup: imagine if Helen Mirren had returned in a cameo as the monarch, meeting with Streep’s Thatcher as she did with Michael Sheen’s Tony Blair in The Queen. But The Iron Lady is not for nuance; it’s as direct and unalloyed as its subject. The film makes its Oscar aspirations a little too obvious, as in a scene where Thatcher takes diction training, reminiscent of The King’s Speech, last year’s Best Picture winner. Another moment betrays the screenwriter’s weakness for the obvious metaphor. Giving a driving lesson to her daughter Carol (nicely rendered by Tyrannosaur’s Olivia Colman), Thatcher intones: “One must be brave, if one is to take the
wheel.” The lesson is immediately followed by Thatcher announcing her decision to run for leader of the Conservative Party, the penultimate step before becoming PM in 1979. Those too young to remember Margaret Thatcher might well leave The Iron Lady wondering what all the shouting was about. On the plus side, it’s a major improvement from Mamma Mia!, Lloyd’s previous collaboration with Streep, which was as artless as it was tone deaf. But any person of any age can appreciate Streep’s remarkable work in The Iron Lady. She deserves the Best Actress award she will surely be nominated for.
RATING: 6/10
AT THE PREMIERE:
Gummer: Mamie, Grace, Louisa
Patricia Clarkson
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Meryl Streep
Henry Joost
Paul Haggis
Zac Posen
Stanley Tucci
Geoffrey Fletcher
John Patrick Walker, Hope Davis
Coco Rocha
January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 61
62 blog
by ruby hassan
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propose indulgence in role play ‘Probably Lahore’s Best Kept Beauty Secret of the city’s finest socialites and most glamorous personalities’, Ruby Hasan, is one of Pakistan’s most travelled and professionally trained skin, hair & beauty experts.
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he is the founder of SPLITENDS-well regarded as Lahore’s premier beauty destination. Since 1990, this globetrotting ambassador for the beauty industry of Pakistan has achieved phenomenal credentials including advanced qualifications & accreditations in hairdressing & coloring from TONI&GUY International, Vidal Sassoon, L’Oreal, Wella, & Schwarzkopf. From the globally acclaimed Morris School of Hairdressing to the prestigious Robert Fielding School of Hair Dressing in London, Ruby Hasan has trained under some of the most creatively renowned and imaginative industry professionals in the world. An expert in air-brush techniques, she has trained under the legendary Charles Fox in skin and make-up at London Esthetique. Ruby is also Pakistan’s only qualified technician and CACI patented therapist trained from the CACI Institute which keeps Hollywood stars such Jennifer Lopez looking young and gorgeous. Ruby has also professionally received the Oxygen facial training, which is the beauty regime of some of the world’s most famous celebrities, including the Queen of Pop, Madonna, who uses it like a prayer. So Now that the “Cat is out of the Bag”, Catch Ruby’s Weekly Buzz on everything that is keeping you and the rest of the female of the species looking ‘OMG’ beautiful Regardless of what your horoscope predicts and how the first fortnight of your new year has been – make it a resolution to be things that you didn’t believe yourself to be. With the much needed downpour and icy cold winds – I say the heavens are also suggesting that the time has come to let go. If this happens on a spiritual level or not, that’s your call – but as far as hair, make-up and attire goes – I suggest letting the inner goddess emerge in her many forms. If you are prone to highlighting, go for low lights.If you like it subtle and natural, try highlights (have no fear, there are so many different techniques to doing these that there is bound to be a bespoke look for you). Personally, this season I’m being drawn to solid colors – option vary within warm or cool tones. Coppers and reds qualify as warm, browns whereas dark blondes qualify in the cool, ash tones. If you’re feeling brave and sure about the change, then go for the permanent
20 Sunday Plus January 22, 2012
color, if not then, go for the ammonia-free option that allows a rehearsal for a new you (Check out the L’Oreal or Schwarzkopf shade cards for the auburns, reds, chocolate browns and ash blondes). As for the cut, why not let go of the clichéd, comfortable and secure choices and add angles and edges or a solid element to your existing haircut (that is if youdon’t want a drastic change). What I mean by this is that you don’t needto give up your existing look; you can just add a little edge to it and experiment with either a face framing look or a flared and wispy one. A solid fringe, a softer, blended fringe, bangs, layers;retrosand bobs are all re-surfacing as great mood changers. Plus, a change in your haircut can really drop years like very few other things can. Obviously, if you’re fortunate enough to have a hairdresser you trust and confide in, he/she will take the initiative and give you an entirely new look – trust me, this year has begun with a lot of my clients throwing in the towel and giving me full reign. It’s been great – the experience and the results! The best of these have been variations on the fringe, which can sharpen up any cut in short, middle or long lengths and can work with a variety of textures. In straight hair, a flat iron can really achieve a sleek, bold look. In wavy, curly hair the front can be permanently straightened or be done with an iron to disconnect two textures and look fabulous. For a fuller, deeper effect, the front can be cut lash long or rollered for a hot number. For the shorter lengths, I feel a tousled softer look can be very flattering with the use of the right hair product to seal the cuticles and avoid a frizzy crown. If you’re feeling lucky, go for a bob (there are so many of them) and colour it to become a real head turner. We all love blow-dries and for all the right reasons! But I must advice you all to dig up that courage to break away from ooh-la-la to vavavoom. Crimp, curl, finger-wave, backcomb, add extensions – pile it up, leave it loose, swoosh it to the side, make a neat bow - basically take it to another level to make it look au natural yet add fun and character to your hair. Big hair is in. Since most women have middle lengths and don’t like to diverge - I propose making bold statements with classic curls, spirally curls, wavy curls and lots of volume and texture.
splus@nation.com.pk
picks of the week
We Lip Couture by Luscious ! Vibrantly rich colour and shine in a luxurious, creamy formula. A Luscious innovation that provides the full colour coverage of a lipstick and gorgeous shine of a lip gloss. This conditions your lips in a hydrating cushion of pure indulgence in 7 stunning shades. Inspired by the world of high fashion such as Muse, Fashionista, Celebrity, Showstopper, Paparazzi, En Vogue and Scandal, it’s couture for your lips!
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We at Sunday Plus are sharing our exclusive recommendations with all our readers. Read on for the best buys, the trendiest brands and the most enticing eateries that you need to know about. We slog through the jungle to bring you the hippest happenings and musthave information, right here in your copy of Sunday Plus: your essential weekend luxury.
Available at leading stores across Pakistan
Bonanza Have you had collaborates breakfast at with Kamiar Rokni N’eco’s?
Pottery & Hobby Ceramics
It’s the early bird special at N’eco’s, buy one breakfast and get the other free.The deal starts from 8 am till 1 pm, Tuesdays to Fridays at N’eco’s Store and Café. Location: Lane 1 Bokhari Commercial Area, Karachi
Good News for all you ladies! Bonanza has collaborated with designer Kamiar Rokni and have a great twenty design (two color way) collection lined up for Bonanza lawn 2012. Kamiar Rokni has envisioned a three story collection. The Romantics ( a feminine and soft line collection with a delicate feel), The Traditionalist (traditional line but with a unique twist) and The Modernist (a funky line with a sense of experimentation and fun). We look forward to seeing this fabulous collaboration splus@nation.com.pk
Pottery course is designed to give students the opportunity of expression through the use of various media and techniques. Various types and colours of clay as well as a variety of glazes are available for use. Kiln firing of all work will be carried out by arrangement with the KuchKhas program Organizer. While every effort will be made to fire work without delay. Location: House # 1, Street # 1, Main Margalla Road, F-6/3 (Opposite hiking trail 3), Islamabad, Pakistan January 22, 2012 Sunday Plus 63