TheNation
August 14, 2011
Rendezvous
saluting pakistan holding on to hope Junoon say... salman Ahmad comment
interview
art
homage to the
freedom fighters
STYLE | TRENDS | BOOKS | INTERVIEWS | art | q&A | SOCIETY
inside this week august 14, 2011
Independence Day Special
what our celebrities have planned this 08 Explore Independence Day
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Music
Let’s revisit and hum our national songs which ignite the patriotic zeal
Interview
Ahmed musician cum social activist 20 Salman talks about his vision of Pakistan
art
representation of Jimmy Engineer’s 22 Pictorial popular Pakistan Movement Series
26 34
24
08 dil dil Pakistan
20 Junoon say...
Independence Day Special
interview
Editor’s note
Society
Hollywood
Jessica Parker opens up about her 42 Report on the happenings and events in 28 Sarah your metropolis ‘Fatal Flaws’ and Family Life
Dear readers we are back with another exciting issue of Sunday Plus. Read what our favourite celebrities have planned for this Independence Day. We are in conversation with top-notch models, designers, singers and many more. Meet Salman Ahmed the spirit behind the band Junoon who talks about creating a new vision for Pakistan. Take an opportunity to revisit our music greats and remember what they created as a tribute to their motherland. Artiste Jimmy Engineer pays homage to the freedom fighters in his pictorial representation of Pakistan Movement. In our special report also learn about the difference in fasting of Muslims and other religions. In our Hollywood section, read about Sarah Jessica Parker’s take on fashion and family life. On our style pages take a look at Zara Shahjahan’s exquisite Eid Collection that is fun, flamboyant and flowy ensembles that are oh-solustworthy. And don’t forget to see our section ‘Picks of the week’ for best buys. Send us your comments and feedback at splus@nation.com.pk
Style
Movie Eid with Zara’s fun and flowy 34 Celebrate Review of the latest Hollywood flick to 54 Eid Collection 2011. hit theatres this week Music
TheNation
Picks of the week
the underground music scene of the smart wish-list for the 40 Explore 64 Gobestthrough Pakistan buys and best picks for everyone
28
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Sunday plus Editor-in-Chief Majid Nizami Deputy Managing Director Rameeza Nizami Editor The Nation Salim Bokhari Editor Magazine: Emanuel Sarfraz Editorial Staff: Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain & Sadaf Pervez Creative Head: Faiz-ur-Rehman Creative Team: Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, HM. Nouman For advertising: Bilal Mahmood, 0300 - 8493206 Muhammad Zaeem 0301 - 8463306 Salman Ahmed 0300 - 4116792 Shiraz Akbar 0333 - 2310851 Khalid Sheikh 0345-5130728
RENDEZVOUS
By Bishakha Kunwar
dildil Pakistan 08 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
RENDEZVOUS Yes, it’s that time of year again! It’s the 14th of August, when Pakistanis all over the world rejoice the spirit of freedom. The significance of the Independence Day in the existence of Pakistan is of greater value. This day symbolizes the victory of Pakistani patriotism and formation of an independent state after a long struggle. All over the country, flags are hoisted and citizens show their patriotic zeal towards their country. But a lot has changed with time and today there seems to be a lack of focus, foresight and energy to give back to our country. Pessimism has penetrated all spheres of life and handicapped our country’s progress. Nonetheless, amidst the chaotic political scenarios, the essence of celebration dwells in the national spirit of jubilation, pride and hope for a better future. A spirit and hope that is renewed each year. This day one sees a sudden burst of green and white hues everywhere. Everyone seems to have something going for them. So instilling the mood of nationalism and saluting the nation that Pakistan is today, Sunday Plus asked some of our celebrities about what the colour green means to them and their plans for this Independence Day. Here is what they had to say:
MEHREENRAHEAL
ACTRESS & CAPRI BRAND AMBASSADOR Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Mehreen: It means everything to me. The green flag and our national colors always make me proud and put a smile on my face. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Mehreen: The spirit of independence has always been there. From the times when we used to put up ‘jhandis’ till today, I can only remember being patriotic and proud on this day. No matter what happens, this day gives us a reason to stand up and renew our patriotism. Q: Message for today’s youth. Mehreen: Believe in yourself and work harder for a better tomorrow. Out with the “divide and rule” and in with “Unity, Faith and Discipline.” Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Mehreen: I celebrate it by being free! For me it is about the realization to have a place to call home. August 14, 2011 SuNday Plus 09
RENDEZVOUS
AAMINA SHEIKH ACTRESS & L’OREAL PAKISTAN SPOKESPERSON
Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Aamina: Life Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Aamina: It’s been at a low standstill ever since I can remember. From the stories I hear of the past, I think the national spirit of Pakistan was most alive much before us. Q: Message for today’s youth. Aamina: Spend less time ‘thinking’ and more time ‘doing’. YOU are the change. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Aamina: Vocalising how important it is to keep such spirit of nationalism and celebration alive throughout the year, not just for one day!
Juggun Kazim Actress & Garnier Brand Ambassador
SABINA PASHA MODEL & L’OREAL PAKISTAN SPOKESPERSON
Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Sabina: Tremendous dedication and patriotism. The minute I see the green flag fluttering in the breeze, my heart truly misses a beat! Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Sabina: Oh I really don t think it can ever diminish no matter how hard the times get. Q: Message for today’s youth. Sabina: You’re the only investment in our future. If you are not moderate and visionary in your views and decisions then remember there is no middle ground for us. We depend entirely on your contribution whether big or small for our future progress and prosperity... Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Sabina: By lighting candles and praying for the glory of Pakistan. 10 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
Q: What does the color green mean to you? Juggan: For me the color Green means peace and serenity and of course Taking Care! :) Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Juggan: It has definitely increased. Q: Message for today’s youth. Juggan: Love our beautiful country and stand united! We can overcome the worst disasters only if we stay united. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Juggan: I celebrate it with my viewers and fans on my morning show, Yeh Subh Tumhari Hai. However since it will be the holy month of Ramadan, we will keep up the festivities but in a more sober and respectful manner. And of course Hamza, my son, and I will decorate our house with flags and lights like we do every year.
KAMIAR ROKNI FASHION DESIGNER
Q: What does the color green mean to you?
RENDEZVOUS Kamiar: I love green. It is one of my favourite colours as it reminds me of the earth that we live in besides for being the colour of Pakistan. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Kamiar: I think the morale has been a bit low in the past few years. Q: Message for today’s youth. Kamiar: Try and excel at what you do and be rational and reasonable. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Kamiar: I spend time with my family.
ADIL SHER FILM-MAKER
Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Adil: As of now, it’s just a color and we as a nation need to work a lot harder to give it a meaning. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Adil: Certainly diminished I would say. Q: Message for today’s youth. Adil: Please make sure you go out and vote in the coming elections. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Adil: I would ask myself a question, if I am not a Pakistani then who am I?
JIMMY KHAN MUSICIAN
Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Jimmy: If you ask me to give a nationalistic view, the colour green reminds me of a green passport with rejection stamps on it. It makes me sick! Otherwise I like the colour green. It signifies a feeling of freedom :) Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Jimmy: It definitely has decreased, it seems. People are out not to celebrate independence but to vent out their insecurities. Q: Message for today’s youth. Jimmy: Try not to abandon the country. We still might be able to make it! :) Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Jimmy: It’s usually spent criticizing the events on the streets. 12 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
Abdullah Sultan TV Host
What does the colour green mean to you? For me Green colour is the significance of prosperity, freshness and tranquility. Has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years in your opinion? It has certainly diminished, because people need reason to celebrate and I don’t see any reason in my surrounding that may urge youth to celebrate 14th Aug. Message for today’s youth. Tolerance is what we need as a
nation. We should now start accepting people as what they are and should start seeing and treating just as ‘Pakistanis’ and not anyone else. How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Well in childhood, fixing a big flag on my roof top was one of the most exciting things I remember. But now being the one who people listen to, I try my best to make people understand that ‘we are if this country is’. For God sake we need to make our own future by choosing the right people to govern us.
RENDEZVOUS
BILAL KHAN
SINGER & COKE STUDIO ARTIST Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Bilal: That the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Sometimes, it’s just the right shade of perfect green on your side. And also, there is something rather elemental and pure about the colour green. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Bilal: Maybe superficially there is less of a hungama in our cities due to the civil unrest. And that fear and reluctance is both severely unfortunate and sadly understandable. But in our homes, in our hearts and minds, the love for this country, the lives put down for us to have this country, and our abilities as a nation, that is very much alive, robust, and constantly growing. Q: Message for today’s youth. Bilal: The future is yours. Which means the onus is on you. Your arsenal of weapons is different from that of the past. So pick up your pens, strum your instruments, enter the social media realm - there are many frontiers available to you. We’re in a period of consequences and accountability and indifference. Apathy and laziness are no longer acceptable excuses. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Bilal: I get some Pakistani jhandas action going on our terrace, a massive flag. And then I settle in front of PTV for the rest of the day. Alas, a lethargic Independence Day has become a necessity to combat the oppressive heat and Ramadan ki bhook.
14 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
SAJJAD ALI
SINGER & COKE STUDIO ARTIST Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Sajjad: Fertility. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Sajjad: Diminished sadly Q: Message for today’s youth. Sajjad: Tolerate others Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Sajjad: With my children
Goher Mumtaz Coke Studio Featured Artist Jal
Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Goher: A feeling of harmony, calmness and optimism which leads me to think positive about my country. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Goher: It has diminished. That’s what I feel, I remember we use to have that parade day on 23rd March and lot of national ceremonies on 14th August, where you actually refresh your love for the country and strengthen yourself again as a nation. I want to see all those things again. Q: Message for today’s youth. Goher: Be optimistic and be yourself, stop wasting time on watching political shows. If you think you can bring a change,
then please cast your vote first and then blame the government for not doing anything. For all those of you, who are above 18, please make sure to cast your vote to the best candidate (My favorite is Imran Khan). This is the first little step which can take to create a huge impact for the future of our country. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Goher: I don’t really do much about it to be very honest, but I make sure that I hoist a Pakistani flag on my house.
ZOE VICCAJI
COKE STUDIO HOUSEBAND Q: What does the colour green mean to you? Zoe: I always associate green with the earth and nature. Q: In your opinion, has the spirit of Independence Day diminished or increased in the recent years? Zoe: Decreased! As a kid we used to parade through the streets with our flags and enjoy the pure tradition of the day. Today I feel disillusioned and skeptical. Q: Message for today’s youth. Zoe: Don’t accept things the way they are, and don’t stop insisting on what’s right. Q: How do you celebrate this auspicious day? Zoe: Nothing too epic! I usually go to the Indus Valley School Mela. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
COMMENT
By Sadaf Pervez
Holding ontohope It is not a bad idea to cherish the day of independence with vigour and liveliness. The bustling roads echo the passion of a youthful nation. After all, Pakistan has given us a lot- the space to breathe, a tag of recognition, a free will to practice and the reason for our existence. Pakistan is in a difficult phase, with everything going in the wrong direction. But responsibilities also lie on our shoulders, in our individual capacities to drag our beloved country out of this turmoil. It is time to dignify the services and sacrifices of our ancestors to fulfill the dream of a prosperous Pakistan. The important questions arise about what we can do voluntarily. Here is the reality check:
We have to own that our identity is from the green passport. It is shameful and ruthless when few of us hide, hesitate and feel humiliated of being identified as a Pakistani. If you are a positive Pakistani, then why don’t you endeavour to alter the image by superseding the expectations of the foreigner! It is because of our own insecurities that impressions of notoriety have understated the actual worth of our identity.
What you wear is who you are and what you wear also depicts the place you belong to. It is understandable that we live in the age of globalization where global influences are merging with the local ones. But our cultural denotative symbols like shalwar kameez cannot be disgraced simply by labelling them old-fashioned and unchic. The national dress holds recognition value. If we are not wearing it, we must still to show respect for it.
Never on time and never want to give back! It is inhabited in our behavioral traits to arrive late, specifically one hour delay is good enough to enlist in the VIP gentry. Don’t mind; it does outshine the aura of a persona.
From snow-clad mountains to picturesque scenes of valleys to the arid regions of Cholistan, Pakistan is a land of beauty that comprises different topographies. Still the fascination to go abroad never nauseates.
To accomplish the task there is always a peripheral route, which we are notorious for its consistent use. The shortcuts can ease your burden only if it is the right way to go. Bribery, lies and flattery are common ways to reach to the end with nominal success without experiencing the real exertion. Such accomplishments are futile to take pride on. 16 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
It is a widely acknowledged fact that Pakistan is a place of creative minds, a plethora of crafts and wits and ample opportunities that can speed up the pace of development in the country. But the quacks ruling the roost and so called intellectuals are comforting abroad to secure their futures- Pakistan mein rakha kia hai!
Don’t forget, Pakistan gave you the air to breathe your very first breaths. We are very easy-going people. If anything goes wrong, the fingers are pointed undisputedly towards the inefficient government or disreputable politicians without considering our roles in the matter. These people represent us and have been brought in the same environment. How can we be sure we won’t act like these when power is in our hands? Terrorists, extremists and fundamentalists are new names to label us. It is we who have given the opportunity to the west to exploit our weaknesses and frame the way they want to present us. We are not any of these things, in fact we don’t know how these terms are being so casually employed to define an entire nation. It is the fact that we have taken our freedom for granted. The best thing is whatever we do and whatever we feel, the love for Pakistan always lies in our hearts. It is just that we have to rectify our moves and be a positive Pakistani!
HHH
MUSIC
By Navirah Zafar
Rememberingour
national songs
Pakistan has always had a rich history of music anthems, ranging from the early fifties to the present time. Music enthusiasts have a special place in their heart for patriotic songs, which echo their love for their country. Pakistan’s Independence Day on August 14, celebrates the country’s independence from British rule in 1947. This day is an occasion to promote patriotism and national unity. People all over Pakistan celebrate Independence Day with zest. Many people who attend the Independence Day parades dress up in green and white, dancing to the beats of music legends who in their lyrics glorify Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of Pakistan. We at Sunday Plus took this opportunity to revisit our music greats and remember what they created.
18 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
MUSIC 1950’s n
“Aye Quaid e Azam Tera Ehsaan” - Munawar Sultana (1958)
1960’s
n “Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai” - Mehdi Hassan
(1962)
n “Apni Jaan Nazar Karoon” - Mehdi Hassan
(1965) n “Aye Rah e Haq Ke Shaheedo” - Naseem Begum (1965) n “Aye Watan Pyare Watan” - Ustad Amanat Ali Khan (1965) n “Aye Watan Key Sajiley Jawanoo” - Noor Jehan (1965) n “Chand Meri Zameen” - Ustad Amanat Ali Khan (1965) n “Jeevay, Jeevay Pakistan” - Shahnaz Begum (1968)
1970’s
n “Hum Zinda Qaum Hain”- Various Artists
(1973)
1980’s
(2001)
n “Aye Mard e Mujahid” - Alamgir (1982)
n “Pakistan Ka Matlab Kya” - String Fell-
(1982) n “Dharti Panj Daryavan Di” - Alam Lohar (1985) n “Dharti Hamari” - Zohaib Hassan (1987) n “Dil Dil Pakistan” - Vital Signs (1987) n “Yehi Zameen”- Vital Signs (1989)
n “Tu Hai Kahan”- Junaid Jamshed feat.
1990’s
n “Dil Ki Qasam” - Noori (2003)
n “Aye Watan Hum Hain Teri” - Alamgir
lows (2001)
Haroon and Strings (2001)
n “Tu Hi Dildar Hai” - Jawad Ahmad (2001) n “Dil Na Lagay” - Faakhir (2002) n “Aye Khuda” - Rage (2002)
n “Pak Fauj, Tu Zindabad”- Abrar ul Haq
(2002)
n “Chand Roshan, Chamakta Sitara” - Vari-
n “Dil Se”- Haroon (2003)
n “Aise Hum Jeyain” - Vital Signs (1991)
n “Dharti Hai Maan”- Abrar-ul-Haq (2004)
ous Artists (1991)
n “Chal Uth Chaliye” - Faakhir (2004)
n “Watan Kahani” -Awaz (1992)
n “Sab Se Pehlay Pakistan” - Ahmed Jahan-
n “Aaghaz” – Awaz (1992)
n “Hungami Haalat” - Atif Aslam (2007)
n “Azadi”- Junoon (1997)
n “Umeed e Sahar”- Laal (2009)
2000’s
n Ab Khud Kuch Karna padega
n “Watan Ki Mitti”- Nayyara Noor (1992) n “Aye Jawan” - Awaz (1997)
n “Dhart Key Khuda” - Junoon (2001) n “Dil Maangay Aur” - Junaid Jamshed
zeb feat. Saraab (2004)
n “Aasman” – Call (2007) n “Sadaa”- Laal (2009)
Atif Aslam and String Band (2010)
HHH
August 14, 2011 SuNday Plus 19
Interview
junoon says SALMAN AHMED on Pakistan’s past, present and future
B
20 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
orn in Lahore, Pakistan, Salman Ahmad is one of South Asia’s most influential cultural figures, as well as a musician, physician and United Nations goodwill ambassador. Recently, he and his wife have launched an NGO titled, ‘the Salman &Samina Global Wellness Initiative,’which focuses on interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, global health and wellness, and music education. Now the musician/social activist, SALMAN AHMED talks about his vision of Pakistan and his social campaign (Aman,Rozi aurTaleem). Q. What was Pakistan like when you were in your teens? Salman Ahmed: Lahore raised me as much as my family did. Pakistan was a teenager when I was born, struggling to come to terms with its newfound freedom. As a child I breathed in the air and sensed the city’s carefree charm and old world grace. Later, I also felt a restless responsibility for its people to be celebrated by the world and recognised as second to none in arts and culture, sports, food and hospitality. The Pakistan, I was born into owed its cultural richness and tolerance to a more compassionate vision toward humanity as expressed by the great Sufi poet Bulleh Shah. Lahore in the sixties and seventies was a fascinating mix of the old and new. Mughal-era forts, palaces, mosques, and shrines, shared walls with British museums, high courts, schools, and universities. In Lahore, whichever direction you walked, you’d see gardens and fountains alongside domed tombs fashioned from sandstone and inlaid marble. On every visit to the everbustling Anarkali Bazaar—where my aunts and uncles went in their day to buy the latest 45- and 78-rpm records and Archie comics—I’d be overwhelmed by a rush of girls, boys, women, and men shopping for everything. And on any given day or night in Lahore, you could hear music, read poetry, watch dance performances, or gaze at art and architecture that was all home-grown and worn like a badge of honour on many a Lahori’s sleeve. Music
Interview
was all around me, from the popular romantic songs of Urdu and Punjabi films to rollicking folk music to bhangra. But the genre that seized hold of me hardest and wouldn’t let go was qawwali. Harmonium and tabla-carrying qawwals were often invited to our family weddings, to bless the union by singing Urdu and Persian poetry of Sufi saints like Amir Khusro and Rumi. At those family wedding qawwali performances, I saw an enduring feature of my cultural heritage that has survived wars, religious fanaticism, colonial rule, and even Partition. Also I was completely mad about motorbikes, kite-flying, and cricket. Many years, later I played first class cricket for Lahore and had to make a difficult choice between a career in medicine, cricket, or music. Fortunately for me, music enveloped all my passions and in time I found a way to work my love of the game, as well as my social activism, into lyrics and melodies in songs like Jazba e Junoon ,Azadi , Khudi and Zamaney Kay Andaz. One thing that bothered me even as a child was Pakistan’s poverty. Seeing poor people all around me got under my skin and burrowed into my conscience, leading me to take myself on punishing guilt trips even as a small boy. Q: Where do you see Pakistan standing today? Salman Ahmed: In the history of nations, there comes a time, when the chasm between what its people deserve and what they are getting is so huge, that revolutionary changes are needed to restore the balance. I believe that time is now for the people of Pakistan. It does not take much to look around at statistics and news from nearly any perspective to see that the 22 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
State and the existing mind set amongst the Pakistanis has moved astray from the vision of the founding fathers. I have received countless e-mails, calls and tweets from concerned Pakistanis who all want to see a fundamental change in the dangerous trajectory that Pakistan is on.The time for idle, swifted drawing room talk is long gone. Nor do we have the luxury of time available to us. As individuals we have a choice to make. Q: How can we inculcate a true spirit of independence among our people? Salman Ahmed: We have reached this state not because of a single cataclysmic event, but because of a long series of wrong policies, wrong decisions, wrong attitudes, lack of action when it was sorely needed and wrong values. The journey out of this deep hole is going to be equally arduous and long. But it is a journey that ‘must’ be undertaken. This journey is not to go back to some point in our history, but to chart out a new and shared vision for a New Pakistan, in the spirit that was first formulated by the founding fathers. Keeping in view this vision, I am starting an ART (Aman ,Rozi&Taleem),a social awareness campaign across Pakistan. Everyone from across the spectrum can agree on the slogan of Aman (Peace and regional harmony), Rozi (economic security) and Taleem (Education). The first phase will require social media (twitter, facebook and skype ,TV& radio) to reach out with a new message of hope and change. Once people from all sides of the spectrum can agree on these three basic needs (Aman, Rozi and Taleem), we can initiate the second phase. In the second phase we will conduct town hall type events with Pakistani intellectuals, entrepreneurs, artists and humanitarians who will echo the need for pluralism and unity to counter the extremism and lack of hope that is spreading like wildfire. Our goal is to bring about a fundamental change in the contract between the individual and the state as it is being currently practiced. Also our vision is for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pakistan engaged positively with the world community. I encourage you all to come together in unity and take the first step on this journey. Our first step is galvanizing a social network of Pakistanis and friends of Pakistan to agree on these three imperatives (Aman,Rozi&Taleem) for all Pakistanis. We’re working on a documentary film which will highlight through arts and culture the power and resilience of Pakistan. Friends like you can help us in many ways! Q: What is your vision of Pakistan’s future? Salman Ahmed:These coming 10 years are the most crucial of all in the history of Pakistan.If we can change ourselves from within by promoting the causes of(Aman,Rozi&Taleem) we can save Pakistan for the future generation. If we can collectively begin educating our people today, promoting pluralism, economic security, tolerance and transform the culture of corruption to a culture of selflessness, Pakistan has the potential to become a great nation by 2020,Insh Allah. “Junoon sey aur ishq sey milti hai azadi / qurbani ki bahonmein milti hai azadi”
HHH
ART By Muhammad Zahid Riffat
Homagetothe
freedom fighters
Jimmy Engineer has painted his popular Pakistan Movement series of paintings based on images of one of the largest human migrations in history - a bloodstained people struggling to reach their newly-created motherland.
24 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
art
S T
hroughout the ages history has always been preserved by writers and artists. Jimmy Engineer paints in a variety of themes, including landscapes, still-life, cultural paintings, religious paintings, seascapes, calligraphy, miniatures, abstract, historical paintings, paintings on wars as well as self-portraits. His canvases on the 1947 holocaust depict in graphic detail the suffering, bloodshed and sacrifices that ushered in the birth of Pakistan. This pioneering effort is intended to capture the imagination of successive generation of Pakistan and imbue them with a similar urge and desire for sacrifice and dedication to the country. These canvases and murals have been exhibited extensively in Pakistan as well as abroad and have won him fame and fortune. The latter he spends generously on charitable work and is content to lead an ascetic life. The Pakistan Movement series of paintings, which he did in the 1980s, put him in the limelight and earned him fame and reputation which he still enjoys. Although Jimmy Engineer was
born exactly seven years after Pakistan had come into existence on the world map, yet he was inspired to paint the struggle for the creation of a separate Motherland for the Muslims under the inspiring leadership of the Quaid-e-Azam, better known as the Pakistan Movement. Did he paint the Pakistan Movement on huge canvasses out of imagination, reading about the struggle or through other means ? This is a very pertinent question which he is asked frequently by the art collectors and students about the details on the huge canvasses. Jimmy Engineer, “I had been seeing these images for long while trying to sleep.I myself was born seven years after Pakistan came into existence.� A well-known Sufi saint from Risalewala near (then) Lyallpur now known as Faisalabad said that Almighty Allah has destined me to do some major work and on his advice I started painting these images on the big canvasses. I continued painting as long as these images kept appearing in my dreams and completed a number of them. When I was working on another huge canvass, the im-
ages stopped and I left that canvass unfinished and incomplete there and then,� Jimmy explains. Though he is a Parsi, Jimmy has unflinching faith in Almighty Allah and is a firm believer in Sufism. He is of the view that in the message of love, brotherhood, peace, harmony and tolerance and above all unflinching faith in Almighty Allah is solution to all our problems. Jimmy firmly says that if you have faith in and fear none but Almighty Allah then you need not to be afraid of anyone. He said for years most of his income comes from the sale of paintings, out of which he spends most on helping people in need. He said he firmly believes in reaching out the people to help them instead of expecting the needy, poor and destitute people going to an individual, NGO, etc. Jimmy Engineer said that he is committed to serve the needy people in general and the special children in particular in order to alleviate their sufferings as much as possible. Jimmy takes due pride in introducing the walk culture for highlighting social and other problems and the concept of organizing fun August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 25
ART
and food programmes for creating awareness about special children. He has to his credit walk from Karachi to Peshawar and also solo spiritual peace walk from Islamabad to New Delhi. The walk, however, was discontinued at Wagah Border on Pakistan after sudden break in relations between Pakistan and India and cutting off all air, road and rail links. It is pertinent here to know about Jimmy. He was born on August 13, 1954 in Loralai, Balochistan, in a Parsi family. He completed his schooling from St Anthony’s High School, Lahore. After a brief interlude at the Forman Christian College, Lahore, he spent three years with the National College of Arts. He then turned professional in 1976. He has painted over 2,000 original paintings, over 1,000 calligraphies and over 200,000 prints are in private collections in more than 50 countries. He has held more than 60 art exhibitions all over the world. Jimmy has led more than 60 walks for noble causes and has arranged more than 140 awareness programmes for handicapped, blind and orphan children. Although an artist by profession, his true passions in life are his fellow human beings and their welfare. Jimmy is an artist, social crusader and peace activist who is not only well-known within the country but also enjoys reputation and fame internationally for his artistic and other humanitarian activities.
HHH 26 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
hollywood
By Emanuel Sarfraz
28 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
hollywood
August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 29
hollywood “Like a ship avoiding icebergs” is how she cheerfully describes the running of her life. “The internal lists, the children’s doctor’s appointments, the letters to write, the school projects. . . .” At night she lies in bed and does what she calls every mom’s “strategic planning” for the day ahead: “What you have to do and how to get the kids from A to B, and whatever is required of you at your work. And maybe you can toss in friendships that need to be attended to. . . . The thing that’s most surprising to me is how much we do in a day.” Parker is eating breakfast in a West Village restaurant, breakfast that looks more like lunch: salad embellished with bacon. Her day, she says, usually starts well before seven, and by ten, lunch is sounding pretty good. She could, of course, be much lazier than this. With her movies, production deals, fashion work, perfumes, and ad contracts, Parker could keep her entire family in personal assistants round the clock. But “it’s a pretty simple setup,” she says of the domestic situation she shares with her husband, Matthew Broderick. There’s a nanny for their toddler twins, Loretta and Tabitha, and someone else to help with the logistics of eightyear-old James Wilkie’s schedule. “We don’t have any live-in help. We’re pretty hands-on parents. That’s something that’s important to
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both of us, and we don’t shirk it, because what’s the point in having a family if you’re not going to really participate in it, you know?” All of this was perfect preparation for her starring role in September’s I Don’t Know How She Does It, an adaptation of Allison Pearson’s 2002 best-seller centred on Kate Reddy, a financial executive and mother of two young children struggling to balance the pressures of her job with the needs of her family. A business trip beckons; a husband, played by Greg Kinnear, gets fractious; a mother-in-law disapproves; a nanny (Jessica Szohr) oversteps; other mothers judge; a best friend (Christina Hendricks) intervenes. The script—which director Doug McGrath calls “a perfect mix of sympathy and satire”—is full of richly comic moments of the kind every working mother can identify with: Kate arriving at work to find she has pancake batter on the lapel of her suit; Kate feeling an irresistible urge to scratch her head as she is preparing a presentation and simultaneously receiving a text message from school announcing that her daughter has lice. It’s as if we’re seeing Carrie Bradshaw, the character that has dominated Parker’s career for the past twelve years, in a new phase of her life. “I loved the part, and I can obviously relate to Kate,” says Parker. “I tried to make myself look more presentable today”—in fact, she is the picture of mommy chic in a yellow silk Gerard Darel sundress, a loose-weave striped sweater, flat pumps, a Chloé handbag, and large Chanel sunglasses—“but the odds of not being, when I leave the house in the morning, are pretty high.” All the evidence points otherwise: Parker has developed a genius for pulling together glamorous and appropriate looks for every hour of her day, but the truth is, she doesn’t identify herself with Carrie the way everyone else does. “Bradshaw’s life is nothing—nothing—like mine,” she says. “I loved playing her, and it changed my life in lots of wonderful ways, but I’m not a crazy shoe lady, I don’t think about fashion all day long, although I have a great respect for the industry. Every choice we’ve made has been different, but with Kate I really understood the attempt at a life.”
Around us in the restaurant, Parker’s presence creates a sort of low-level celebrity static. Everyone sits up a little straighter and sparkles a little brighter, as though her star wattage has lit them up too. Her way of dealing with fame is to face it head-on. She doesn’t draw attention to it, but she doesn’t hide from it either. The paparazzi may stalk her every single time she walks James Wilkie to school or takes the girls out—“They follow every move I make until I’m back inside the house”—but she refuses to withdraw. “You do start to understand the behindthe-gate mentality, the getting in the car in your driveway,” she says as she pours herself tea, “but I can’t imagine living in seclusion. We flirted with it. We went outside the city and troubled all these realtors.” One of Parker’s endearing qualities is the sense that, even though she is 46, there’s part of her that is still a little girl with her nose pressed to the glass. Her well-documented childhood as one of eight siblings and half-siblings in a struggling but striving family has left a legacy of discipline and humility. When Sex and the City, to her own surprise, made her a fashion star, she launched her own design label and perfumes, as well as signing on to run the Halston Heritage label, a relationship that recently came to an end. As the show took off, she increased her involvement by becoming a producer—she now has her own company, Pretty Matches, makers of Bravo’s Work of Art, which has a host of other projects in development. How Parker does it seems to come down to a combination of organization, boundarysetting, and formidable will. If she set her mind to it, you feel, Parker could do anything—how about mayor of New York City? For now, she schedules her meetings after walking James Wilkie to school but tries to be home after the twins’ afternoon nap. “I feel like if I’m only missing up until 3:30, when they wake up, that’s not so awful.” She doesn’t use a cell phone, except in emergencies; for her it’s e-mail or texts, “otherwise it’s one more thing I’m trying to keep up with.” She escapes to the Hamptons on weekends
hollywood
and in summer and occasionally to Matthew’s family’s cottage in Ireland, though it’s so small she hasn’t yet figured out how to fit the twins’ cribs in. She dreams of reading the papers on the beach on a Sunday morning with her husband, but it never happens. Where Carrie had her girlfriends and Kate Reddy has her e-mail buddies, Parker has her mom friends, fellow parents at James Wilkie’s school with whom her relationships “have evolved over time in a very natural way.” Once school is out, Parker and her brood will join a group of their families on vacation in Italy, where the twins will celebrate their birthday. Loretta is bigger and fairer than Tabitha, who is tiny and olive-skinned, with enormous brown eyes. “Tabitha’s very, very outgoing, but physically she’s very shy,” says Parker. “She shakes in elevators; it’s very sweet, like Bambi. And then Loretta is pale, like my husband, with piercing blue eyes. But she’s physically bold.” Watching them, she marvels at how they could be so different and yet so recognizably related. “I think it’s funny how much she looks like my husband,” she says of Tabitha. “Except then I look at Loretta and she has my husband’s mouth and sort of sad eyes, you know the kind that go down? The Broderick eyes. They both really look like him.”
Being a little older as a parent, Parker says, means that she’s probably a lot more patient than she would have been. “I guess I think there are things about it that I hope have made me a better mother,” she says. “I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do the things that I wanted to do, like sleep. I have slept till 11:00 for a lot of years. Honestly, the only thing that I’m concerned about is the energy: I hope I can maintain the energy. I think about all the years I’ve spent parenting James Wilkie and everything I put into it, and there are two of them.” As for her professional life, Parker continues to redefine the rules. “I kept thinking that this age was the one to be worried about,” she says. “Like probably for the last five, six years I kept thinking, oh, this is that age that I’ve heard about; this is that bad age where the work slows down.” Later in the year she will appear in the ensemble movie New Year’s Eve, by Valentine’s Day director Garry Marshall, alongside Robert
De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Halle Berry, Zac Efron, and a long list of others. She’s mulling her fall schedule and is considering breaking with type by taking a role in a thriller. “I don’t know how to even telescope the future,” she continues, “except to say that I like to be an actor and I like to be a working actor and I don’t know how long I’ll be doing that, but it seems to stretch itself out in front of me more than I thought.” Time has zoomed by, and suddenly Parker realizes she’s late, something you sense rarely happens. “Oh, my God, it’s 11:59,” she says. “I’m going to run home and change clothes because I have to be at a business meeting at 12:00.” With that she says goodbye to her daughters, who burst into heart-breaking tears, and, a little torn but still determined, she literally sprints up the block to her next appointment, ponytail flying behind her. COURTESY: VOGUE AUGUST 2011
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style
Celebrate Eid with Zara Shahjahan
S+ is sending out an SOS! Zara Shahjahan’s gorgeous Eid Collection is out on August 14th and is sure to sell out as, or more, quickly than her pret line does the rest of the year round. Shoppers, gear up to fight each other for one of these exclusive styles from the collection, that is going to be the must-have for this hot, hot Eid!
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Designer: Zara Shahjahan Photography and Styling: Happa Studios Model: Ayyan Available from today at PFDC 10Q Lhr & Melange Islamabad!
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August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 39
MUSIC
By Haaris Ahmed
Sounds from the
underground In the early 1990s a group of young musicians from Lahore transformed the way music would be seen for the coming years and created the first Pakistani hard-rock band, ‘Coven’ . Despite the fact that it lasted for less than five years, disbanding after almost everyone went abroad for their studies, little could anyone imagine that the broken pieces from ‘Co-ven’ would eventually give rise to the most eminent music icons in Pakistan.
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li Noor, Farhad Hamayun, Mekaal Hassan, Ali Jafri and Abid Khan are familiar names in the music scene today. They branched off from Co-ven to pursue their own projects while forming their own bands after returning back home. The band Co-ven was kept intact though once Hamza Jafri came back to Pakistan and recruited Sammar Ahmad and Sikandar Mufti. The reformed band now launched its first album through their own record label, named “Shame on You Records”.
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This is a story of a committed, ruling band which crumbled at a staggering pace, largely due to a lack of publicity with the result that and the masses now have little idea about its existence. Many other underground bands since they have spun their musical ideologies with the objective nothing less than providing an experience unlike any other. But there are faint cries for help that resound through those circles. They need support! And they need resources
that can help them achieve recognition, which is something they truly deserve! The indifference of policy makers has reserved for them dubious ‘honour’ of playing as negligible a role as could be humanly possible in the development of music in this country. Local bands have no other option but to keep trying their luck, and to feed their small fan community through social media platforms and informal gigs. They have enough talent and energy, that if they were properly supported, they
MUSIC
would shine at a level that may transgress international boundaries! Below are short accounts of some underground bands, that are young, talented and more importantly seized with a sense of conviction in their craft and ambition.
Takatak
It all started when Yusuf Ramay, Misbahhudin (lead guitarist) and Zain Peerzada (bassist) teamed up as a college band. Being known for his proficient drumming skills and unheralded double-bass work that ties everything together, they quickly got Yusuf aboard for a jam to check him out and were completely blown away. That was the day they came up with the main riff for their debut single ‘Breakdown’. Takatak - the names defines it rather well with a basic love for free-form jazz, blues and progressive metal, they create a deep yet brutal assault on the sonic senses despite the youth of the band members. They play a fairly distinctive genre of metal, which Zain says he loves playing. At the start of 2011, the band flew to Norway to perform at the Oslo festival where they had the opportunity to play alongside other Pakistani musicians such as Zeb & Haniya and collaborated with the widely acclaimed, Saein Zahoor. They have played at numerous cafes, college nights and gigs across Lahore. Almost a month back they opened for both Bilal Khan and Jimmy Khan, leaving the whole crowd in an adrenaline pumped frenzy with their fast drumbeats,
awesome riffs and the unparalleled, berserkgrowling of Shahzore Bhatty. Recently, Takatak joined a former member, Jamil Rizvi, and played a series of phenomenal pieces of original metal. Their influences, to name a few, include Lamb Of God, Metallica, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Gojira, Iron Maiden, Phill Collins, Trivium, Machine Head and Dream Theater. You can check out their entire studio and live demo recordings online.
Poor Rich Boy
About two and a half years ago, Shehzad Noor Butt (Vocals, Guitars, Songwriter) and Zain Ahsan (Guitars, Composer) met and shared a couple of musical pieces with each other, which they loved and subsequently played together. It was during the trip to Islamabad when the intent to renew their passion took them to a friend’s studio where they recorded a song and thus their first impression in the underground music scene of Lahore. A year and a half later, they upped the stakes included Zain Moulvi as a bassist and Ravail Sattar as a drummer in the band. Once they were in, the sound changed completely. It’s hard to define what genre of music, but they try to play whatever sounds good to them which is as honest as a musician can hope to be. As a band, they have been playing regularly for the past eight months at The Guitar School and intend to keep doing so. In the beginning of this year they went to Karachi and opened for Co-ven at The M.A.D (Music Art Dance) School for three nights in a row.
The Others
They have shown that at times good rock ‘n roll can be enough; no need for publicity stunts, no experimental theatrics, no 30-minute-plus compositions bloated with strings and techno or harps. The others have put their money down on superb melodies and that too with just a simple trifecta of rock: guitar, bass and drums. Starting off as a duo, Ali and Zoya debuted at the Young Music Competition in the beginning of 2010 where they went on to the semi-finals. They have had many changes and the current line-up includes Zoya Uzair (lead singer and rhythm guitarist), Bilal Muneer (lead guitarist), Sarang Nadeem (bass guitarist) and Ali Sultan (drummer). Covering a diverse compilation of both classic and contemporary hits of local and foreign artists, they have opened for many established acts such as Strings, Atif Aslam, Jal, Symt, Call, JOSH, Pappu Sae Dholi, Saeein Zahoor and Zeb & Haniya. In June, they opened for Ali Azmat’s concert in Peshawar, which marked his return to that venue after almost two decades, and there they gathered a huge fan following. Lately, they went on to play at the Annual Kaghan Festival and received much appreciation from the crowd on being so young yet truly amazing. Zoya and Ali’s father and the band’s manager, Uzair, have high hopes that they will soon debut some memorable originals, with offerings in Urdu, Persian, Pushto and English.
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society
Birthday bash
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LAHORE: Sara Ali recently threw a surprise birthday party for her husband Ali Ashraf. The event was managed by Bilal Mukhtar.
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1 Sara and Ali Ashraf 2 Ursula 3 Alyzeh 4 Amna and Bilal Mukhtar 5 Ajao & Imtisal 6 Farhad 7 Arsalan , Sundus , Dan and Raphael 8 Lubna , Seema , Kashif & Huma 42 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
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9 Hamza & QB 10 Fia 11 Nooray 12 Mehdi & Urooj 13 Aliha Chaudhry 14 Ali Xeeshan and Noman 15 Taimoor and Schezreh 16 Asad, Zara, Murad & Amna 44 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
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K.U.D.S signature collection LAHORE: Khadija – Ubaid launched their signature collection at the multi brand fashion store PORTFOLIO recently. The night was attended by the fashion fraternity, media and people from all walks of life. The event was organized by The Gold Standards (TGS) and saw the glitz and glamour of Lahore.
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Asifa & Lubna
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Nabia & Saba
Nazia, Zubair & friend
Rana Noman & Ubaid
Bilal & Hira
Khadija, Fahad & friend
Sahar & Sana
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Mr & Mrs. Shahnawaz
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Khalid & Noman August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 47
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LAHORE: Recently Leisure Club launched a brand that focuses on working women.
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1 Anum & Mustafa 2 Sara Zaman with friend 3 Ayesha Asad, Ayesha Bano and Ambreen 4 Hamid, Umar& Faisal Asgha 5 Fatima, Naheed Safdar & Samira Hassan 6 Umaima 7 Atta Gill 8 Umar Zaman 8 Fakhra Kanwal, Saadia, Mehwish & Asif Iqbal 48 Sunday Plus August 14, 2011
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KARACHI: EmporioTaneez was launched from its swanky location on Clifton road. A fashion display featuring designer collection of Mehdi,Shaiy anneMalik,NaziashLutfullaah,Kokab Zia kept guests entranced. Hair and makeup and styling of the models were done by Saba Ansari at Sabs and the event was managed by take11.
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1 Umar Sayeed with Tehmina Khaled 2 Shahla Rehman 3 Zeenat Sayeed Ahmed 4 Begum Salma Ahmed, Nazish & Fauzia 5 Naseem, Samina & Zeenat 6 Afroza, Shahaa & Rukhsana 7 Saher & Beenish August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 49
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LAHORE: Zahabiya, an upcoming designer from Karachi, recently held an exhibition at Labels located at Vogue Towers on M.M. Alam Road. Her Vibrant outfits embellished beautifully and delicately were a huge hit with the audience. Scentsation did free perfume testing at the event and gave out perfume samples. The event’s media and PR was managed by Voila PR and media relations.
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1 Zahabiya & Nadia Chottani 2 Sobia 3 Shireen Warraich 4 Shazia Aleem, Zahabiya, Abdullah & Aleem Butt 5 Ayesha Nasir 6 Madiha Qaiser, Maha Qaiser, Ayesha Shuja and a friend 10 Rozina Zahid
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COMMENT
By Meshezebeel Jacob
The‘size zero’ syndrome B
eauty is often idiosyncratic but, no matter how one defines it, these days the idiom “beauty is only skin deep” is ambiguous and a blatantly false statement. It presumes, first of all, that everyone accepts the typical definition of beauty, i.e., a person whose physical appearance would be appealing to a majority of people. It also negates the concept that beauty comes from within! True beauty goes much deeper than the skin. Today’s beautiful woman has been shaped into an entirely new concept. Gone are the days when a healthy woman called a ‘juttni’ was considered beautiful. The newest concept of beauty is a painfully thin figure of a woman, having little or no curves at all. The new era of size zero figures has reached its peak and numerous young women are actually trying very hard to achieve it. Their efforts mostly include crash dieting and skipping meals. “Size zero” became front-page news in 2005, when model Luisel Ramos collapsed on a runway during Uruguay’s Fashion Week moments after being applauded by spectators; she later died from heart failure. News emerged that she had fasted to lose weight as she readied for the show. As a result, coordinators of Madrid’s Fashion Week banned from the event models whose body mass index fell below 18, which was considered unhealthy. The International Herald Tribune noted that many top models had a BMI that was in the 14–16 range. In Pakistan, the concept of healthy and beautiful had prevailed until a decade ago, until the concept of a stick thin, model-like figure became the newest oomph factor. The infamous size zero demographic is no longer limited to the silver screen or the catwalk; in fact these women walk among us every day. Slimming culture has become a popular trend among people, especially females. In order to be satisfied with their body shape, people are willing to try various weightloss means including paying money for slimming treatments. The popular belief, ‘thin equals beauty’, is what mostly influences the body image of the
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majority of our female population. Whenever we are watching the television or even listening to the radio, it is inevitable and not surprising to be beset by some product or other to encourage slimming. In addition, advertisements for other consumer products, whether they are skin or hair care products or commodities like milk or detergent, use models that are thin. Despite the fact that most of these images are heavily edited and most of us are aware of this reality, we still aspire to look like these models. Thousands of women every day embark on yo-yo diets and deny themselves their favorite foods in order to look more like a perceived cultural ‘ideal’. Social pressure could be a reason for generating the slimming culture. Our society today has begun to promote the concept of “thin is beautiful” with alarming consequences. Many people today suffer from bulimia, anorexia and anemia as a result of their dieting. This problem is most common in adolescent girls, who are usually under intense scrutiny and criticism from their peers regarding the way they look. Women are able to achieve the seemingly perfect figure by crash dieting. They skip meals and limit the use of products that they think may fatten them like milk, yogurt and fruits like bananas and mangos. In reality all of these efforts to slim down are of no use when the question of long-term slimness arises because as soon as we leave the crash diets, we tend to get back to our old body weight. Crash dieting is not a healthy way to lose weight. There is absolutely no way to stay healthy after eating only one serving of rice per day. Nutritionists do advise over-weight people to lose weight as obesity is said to be the root of many other diseases, but they certainly do not recommend that meals be skipped for fear that the body may be deprived of important nutrients in the process. Nutritionists also caution against “yo-yo” diets. These can be harmful and may result in loss of water in the body. That can increase the risk of kidney stone formation, gall-stone formation and can contribute to bone thinning as well. The blame for this trend can be laid on
several shoulders, as many people believe that the fashion industry or the media at large is not promoting a ‘realistic’ body-shape here. The standard of perfection is still ridiculously high, and the amounts of time, money, and masochistic effort required attaining it is daunting. The ‘size zero’ non-controversy is degrading to women and damaging to their self-esteem and perceptions
HHH
MOVIE
Enter
Captain America
This summer has brought an onslaught of comic-book movies, but the tide has turned against them. From Thor to X-Men: First Class to The Green Lantern, none of these super-expensive movies have managed to crack $200 Million at the box office, the number Superman Returns made (and that was considered a failure). Partly it’s the films; partly it’s the characters – many of whom aren’t as well-known as Batman and Superman. Enter Captain America: The First Avenger. It’s a relief to say it’s entertaining, and will hopefully buck the trend. Find out more below….
THE PLAYERS: director: Joe Johnston
Actors: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones,
Original Music by: Alan Silvestri
Cinematography by: Shelly Johnson
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The Plot: Steve Rogers (Evans) is a ninety-pound weakling who wants to join up and fight Adolph Hitler. But he’s been rejected five times, and repeatedly discarded. Enter Dr. Abraham Erskine (Tucci) and his superserum, which converts Rogers into a muscle-bound kicker. But even then he’s viewed as a sideshow, and is sent on USO tours to raise money. Finally he gets together with Peggy Carter (Atwell) and Colonel Chester Phillips (Tommy Lee Jones) and has to rescue his old buddy Bucky Barnes (Stan). It’s there he meets the Red Skull (Weaving) and his doctor-sidekick Arnim Zola (Toby Jones), and learns of the Skull’s plans to take over the world.
The Good:
The Rocketeer Template: Though Joe Johnston says he didn’t realize it at the time, this is very much in the mold of his 1991 film The Rocketeer. Which means that it’s drawing heavily from the serials, and also – expressly – Raiders of the Lost Ark. And though Johnston lacks the visual wit of Steven Spielberg, who doesn’t? Johnston gets you to care about the characters, and builds to a fine conclusion – as much as he could while still playing into the game plan for the character. The Cast: Evans makes for a great Rogers, and nails the innocence and decency of the character. Atwell has the physical dimension of most comic-book heroines, but the film treats her with respect, and it’s a star-making performance. Weaving and the two Jo-
Amanda Righetti
at the premiere
Chris Evans and Hayley Atwell Jaimie Alexander
Director Joe Johnston
Sebastian Stan
Jamie Chung
Robert Downey Jr
Samuel L. Jackson
Natalie Dormer
Zoe Saldana
McFeely and Christopher Markus Ruve Robertson and Neal McDonough
RATING: 7.5/10 neses are called on to do familiar things, but Weaving makes it fun by doing something of a Werner Herzog impression, and Tommy Lee Jones goes for his patented smirk-free oneliners, while Toby Jones is a great addition to any movie. Tommy Lee nad Toby have a great scene together that made a number of critics feel the need to eat steak after seeing it. The Spirit of Adventure: What’s engaging about these movies is that – often – it’s about a normal or weak guy given extraordinary powers and thrust into extraordinary events. That works, and you want to see Captain America knocking skulls of the Nazisurrogate bad guys (called Hydra, Red Skull’s personal army). On that basic level, the movie works much like the first Spider-Man did.
THE BAD: Montage: A number of battles are cut into montage, and so there are some great moments – but you want more. And in a number of sequences there seems to be shots that
look spectacular on their own (trailer shots, as it were), but don’t cut well into the moment. The film feels condensed, and – at times – gives up on the layers of complications that make great sequences pop. In the third act, Rogers is dropped out of a Zeppelin, and it’s a great idea for an action scene that leaves you questioning how he’s going to deal with it. It’s not a bad bit of business in the film, but it could have gone on much longer. If it had, it would have been a classic. Captain’s Crew: Bucky Barnes is the only one who has personality, where the rest are distinguished by their look or ethnicity. Perhaps these characters are famous in the comic books, and have things to do there, but here they are reduced to being as dimensional as the action figures they’ll more than likely spawn. The Marvel Universe: We know The Avengers is coming next year, and though this doesn’t feature the same sort of jawdroppingly inane empire-building as Iron Man
2 or Thor, the film is meant to dovetail into The Avengers, and it hurts the film because it has to explain (and this is in the first section of the film) how Rogers gets into the 21st century. The film would have been unarguably better if it didn’t have to tie in to The Avengers. Alas.
OVERALL: In a summer were event films haven’t delivered events all the spectacularly, Captain America is a nice throwback to the Spielberg action era, and though it doesn’t deliver the same amount of thrills as Spielberg in his prime, it will do for now. Johnston’s The Rocketeer did the exact same things (only better) and was a box office disappointment, but we’re so much further away from this sort of filmmaking that it feels fresher now. Captain America is exciting and feels like a full meal. That’s enough.
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COMMENT
By Dr. Shaukat Mahmood
Fasting in Islam and other religions The practice of fasting was current in the pre-Islamic tribes of Arabia. It has also been considered as a holy act in many other religions. As a matter of fact, fasting is ordained in all the major divine religions. Amongst the others only the Zoroastrian dogmas prohibit the practice of fasting.
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he bodily and mental experiences of early man during times of drought and parching may account for the custom of fasting as a religious technique in those days. Prolonged hunger gives rise to visions and the fast was used for this purpose by the ancient man. Buddha’s achievement of nirvana (enlightenment) is one particular example. Fasting was a fundamental method of acquiring totem of shamans in making contact with spirits by those who consulted the Greek oracles. The Greek fasted in order to consult their deities for advice and prophecies. The suffering involved in fasting made it a befitting means of expressing penitence, seeking forgiveness or making atonement. In pre-Islamic days, fast was almost universal as an expression of mourning and lamentation. It was also used as a means of acquiring supernatural powers. Fasting gave and added efficacy to a rite, and sometimes was combined with other austerities to command or control gods and goddesses. The Greek church, even today, observes four principal fasts: that of Lent (the period from Ash Wednesday also called dies cinerum, to Easter Eve of which 40 days are devoted to fasting and penitence in commemoration of Christ’s fasting in wilderness), that which begins in the week after Whitsuntide (15th of May and the following tide), the one observed a fortnight before the Assumption (resumption of Virgin Mary bodily into Heaven. The 56 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
fast in honour of this falls on august 15), and that is observed 40 days before Christmas (Festival of Christ’s birth celebrated on December 25). The Church of England appoints the following fixed days for fasting and abstinence: (1) the 40 days of Lent; (2) the Ember (the Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays after first Sunday in Lent, after White-Sunday (second Sunday in October), after Holy Cross day, i.e; September 14, and after St. Lucy’s day, December 13); the three rogation days before Holy Thursday; (4) every Friday except Friday falling on Christmas day. Fasting was required of individuals, of groups and of the whole community, for the avoidance of various hostile influences and natural calamities. Among the religions of the intermediate development, now extinct, that of the Celts laid some stress on the practice of fasting, while the religion of Tentons appears to have found little regard for it. The ancient Mexicans and Peruvians resembled the Babylonians and Assyrians and fasting was largely used by them in connection with penance and the offering of sacrifice. There are clear indications that the ancient Egyptians also observed fasting to please their gods. The Romans appear to have used the practice but little until they came under the influence of the later Greek religion in which fasting was required as one of the basic tenets of their belief. Fasting has been very strongly recom-
COMMENT mended to individuals by philosopher and meta-physicians of various schools: Cynics (an ancient group of Greek philosophers), Stoics (members of a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens), Pythagoreans (Pythagoras was a great Greek mathematician and philosopher and founded the theory of how things are related to each other in nature) and Platonism (the theory developed by Plato regarding the shape and philosophy of forms). Fasting “Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting. Fasting practices may preclude sexual activity as well as food, in addition to refraining from eating certain types or groups of foods; for example, one might refrain from eating meat. A complete fast in its traditional definition is abstinence of all food and liquids except for water. Fasting for religious and spiritual reasons has been a part of human custom since prehistory. It is mentioned in the Bible, in both the Old Testament (the Tanach, the Bible used in Judaism, also called Tanakh and Tenak) and New Testament, the Qur’an, the Mahabharata, and the Upanishads. Fasting is also practised in many other religious traditions and spiritual practices”. Hindu and Jain ascetics are committed by their faiths to very severe fasting in conjunction with numerous other austerities, and abstinence in lesser degree is imposed on Hindus generally by the requirement of caste law and the performance of due accompaniments of various pilgrimages. A very special kind of fast in Hinduism is Karwa Chauth. On the day of the fast, women from Punjab awake to eat and drink just before sunrise. In Uttar Pradesh, women eat soot feni, a kind of sweet dish prepared with milk in sugar on the eve of the festival. It is said that this helps them go without water the next day. In Punjab, sargi (sehri or early morning) is an important part of this pre-dawn meal, It is traditional for the sargi to be sent or given to the woman by her mother-in-law. If the mother-in-law lives with the woman, the pre-dawn meal is prepared by the mother-in-law. The fast begins with dawn. Fasting women do not eat during the day, and some additionally do not drink any water either. In traditional observances of the fast, the fasting woman does no housework. Women apply henna and other cosmetics to themselves and each other. The day passes in meeting
friends and relatives. In some regions, it is customary to gift and exchange painted clay pots filled with bangles, ribbons, homemade candy, cosmetics and small cloth items like handkerchiefs. Married women break their fast by looking at the moon through a sieve or a piece of muslin cloth. The moon to the ladies mean husband and looking at the husband directly is a sign of shamelessness. Sieve is thus for modesty. Since Karva Chauth follows soon after the Kharif crop harvest in the rural areas, it is a good time for community festivities and gift exchanges. Parents often send gifts to their married daughters and their children. Buddhism recommends fasting of moderation, not going to the extremes of self-deprivation and self-torture. The Taoism of China imposes periods of strict fasting upon its professors. Confucianism has followed the practice of its great expounder in approving the customary observation of fasting as a prefatory to the worship of patrimonial and hereditary spirits. Jews are required to fast on the Day of Atonement, four other annual fasts appointed during the Babylnian exile to commemorate the siege and destruction of Jerusalem. A fifth day was added subsequently in remembrance of the three day of fast of Easter (Old Testament and Additional voluntary fasts amongst the individual were also common. The stricter Christians observed fast on Mondays and Thursdays of each month of the Christian calendar. All these practices of fasting were, however, not strictly disciplined. There were no proper definitions of the time of fasting. The time of beginning the fast and breaking it was usually the choice of an individual or a group. There were no confirmed principles and no formal methodology of their observance. The institution of fasting (sawm or saum) was systematized and made rational by Islam. In the Qur’an in Sura ii(alBaqarah), verse 183, it is enjoined, “O ye who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint.” The abstention from feed, drink and sex, temporarily, enables the attention to be directed to higher things. This is necessary through prayers (salat), contemplation and acts of charity, but strictly not of the showy nature. In the same Sura in verse 185, “Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind. So every one of you who is present at home should spend it in fasting. He (Allah) wants you to complete
The institution of fasting (sawm or saum) was systematized and made rational by Islam. In the Qur’an in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 183, it is enjoined, “O ye who believe. Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn selfrestraint.” and glorify Him.” The regulations are again and again compelled with an insistence on two things: (i) the facilities and concessions given, and (ii) the spiritual significance of the fast. This is the aspect of fasting which realizes us of the blessings of Ramadan. We therefore, do not look at it as a source of excruciations, but as a fount of purification. It remains to be seen that how much you consider the importance of the aspect of blessings, the practice of fasting is by no standards an easy pursuit. Particularly in regions which are hot and arid and where it is difficult to survive without water even for a couple of hours. There is too much of self – restraint and self-discipline involved. A month-long fasting is, therefore, a rigorous tribulation, testing ordeal and difficult examination of human faculties. Having gone through this test for full one month, Muslims rightly of Ramadan and hence the rejoicing culminating in the from of Eid al-fitr.
HHH
August 14, 2011 SuNday Plus 57
OFF THE SHELF
thetruestoryofthe ‘non existent’sealteamsix When President Barack Obama dramatically announced in May 2011 that Osama Bin Laden was dead, he referred to the men who had brought the Al-Qaeda leader to justice as simply “a small team of Americans”, aka the elusive Seal Team Six, which officially does not exist! This is a memoir of a former member.
T
Title: Seal Team Six | Author: Howard E. Wasdin Pages: 352 | Price: Rs. 1,250 | Genre: Current Affairs/Politics
58 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
wo dozen Seals, many of them veterans of a decade of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, had landed at Abbottabad, deep inside Pakistan, and dispatched their target with a “double tap” of bullets to the face and chest. Officially, Seal Team Six does not exist. The equivalent of Britain’s Special Boat Service (SBS), the Seals are part of the United States Navy and take their name from an acronym for Sea, Air and Land, the three dimensions in which they operate. While the odd-numbered teams one, three and five have historically been based at Coronado, California, and the even-numbered two, four and eight at Little Creek, Virginia, not even Seals themselves will acknowledge there is a Team Six. As if to bury the unit even deeper in mystique, within the world of “tier one” special forces it is referred to as DevGru, short for Development Group, or simply as “the boys from Dam Neck”, the Virginia town where this elite of an elite is housed. By remarkable good fortune, Howard Wasdin, who fought in the Gulf War and was wounded during the 1993 “Black Hawk Down” incident, was preparing for the launch of his new book when bin Laden met his demise. Wasdin did not fast rope from a Black Hawk into the bin Laden compound. He left the Seals in 1995 to pursue jobs as a security adviser and police officer and representative for a body
OFF THE SHELF
Noon: A Novel
Author: Aatish Taseer | Pages: 256 | Price: Rs. 995 | Genre: Fiction
Synopsis: Rehan Tabassum has grown up in a world of privilege in Delhi. His mother is a successful lawyer and his new wife a wealthy industrialist, the embodiment of all that dazzles about the New India. But there is a marked absence in Rehan’s life: his father, Sahil Tabassum, telecommunications mogul, who remains a powerful shadow across the border in Pakistan. Noon follows Rehan’s attempts to negotiate this loss, as he travels, both emotionally and physically, through sudden wealth and hidden violence, towards the heart of his father’s world. Written with insight and with passion, this extraordinarily atmospheric novel confronts the nature of power in two changing landscapes. It is the deeply moving, often surprising story of a man who comes of age as his country does, in an atmosphere of political quicksand and moral danger.
Loyalty to Your Soul: The Heart of Spiritual Psychology Author: H. Ronald Hulnick | Pages: 264 | Price: Rs. 1,395 | Genre: Mind, body and soul
Synopsis: Loyalty to Your Soul establishes Spiritual Psychology as a paradigm-altering frontier. It initiates a radical shift at the core of contemporary psychological thought by unveiling a technology for using everyday life experiences as rungs on the ladder of spiritual evolution. This book is uniquely suited for anyone seeking to discover and cross the bridge that spans the waters between life referenced in material reality and life lived within the context of spiritual reality. Loyalty to Your Soul shows you how to first gain access to, and then gradually learn to live from, that sacred place inherent within everyone, referred to by the authors as the Authentic Self a place where emotional suffering ceases and profound peace and love are found.
The Hitler I Knew: Memoirs of the Third Reich’s Press Chief Author: Otto Dietrich | Pages: 256 | Price: Rs. 3,550 | Genre: Memoirs
Synopsis: When Otto Dietrich was invited in 1933 to become Adolf Hitler’s press chief, he accepted with the simple uncritical conviction that Adolf Hitler was a great man, dedicated to promoting peace and welfare for the German people. At the end of the war, imprisoned and disillusioned, Otto Dietrich sat down to write what he had seen and heard in twelve years of the closest association with Hitler, requesting that it be published after his death. Dietrich’s role placed him in a privileged position. He was hired by Hitler in 1933, was his confidant until 1945, and he worked—and clashed—with Joseph Goebbels. His direct, personal experience of life at the heart of the Reich makes for compelling reading. .
armour company. In his late forties, he is now a chiropractor. In almost mesmerising detail, Wasdin describes what it is to train to be a member of Seal Team Six (and a specialist sniper to boot) and then to fight, kill and be wounded while putting that training into practice and operating alongside the CIA. To the dismay of the Pentagon, the Obama administration has released so much detail about the bin Laden operation that it feels that there is little more to know. Born to a girl of 16, Wasdin was brought up in the school of hard knocks. Brutally beaten by his stepfather and starved of affection, he developed a mental and physical toughness and a single-minded determination to prevail that made him ideal raw material for the Seals. His account of how he qualified as a Seal (based on the premise of “train the best, discard the rest”), culminating in the notori-
ous “Hell Week”, is skilfully interspersed with episodes of Seal lore, history and philosophy. Seals, Wasdin explains, are “forever the optimists, even when we’re outnumbered and outgunned, we still tend to think we have a chance to make it out alive – and be home in time for dinner”. They strive to “steer the rudders of their own destinies” and believe “it’s better to burn out than fade away – and with our last breaths we’ll take as many of the enemy with us as possible”. But it is Wasdin’s account of events in Somalia that primarily marks this book out as an important addition to any military library. Along with comrades identified only as Casanova, Little Big Man and Sourpuss, Wasdin – codenamed Sierra Three – was one of four Seal Team Six members who fought in Mogadishu. With his .300 Winchester Magnum rifle, Wasdin hits a militiaman aiming an RPG at an American helicopter just beneath his nose, killing him instantly. A homing beacon placed
by the CIA inside an ivory-handled cane identifies a Somali warlord who is shot in the leg and captured. In an act of surprising tenderness, Wasdin and Casanova jeopardise their cover to storm a house so that a Somali boy, suffering from gangrene resulting from terrible leg injuries caused by a landmine, can be treated. Wasdin’s sense of almost supernatural immortality – he was the only one out of 100 in training to pass all tests – is finally punctured when he fires at “a booger-eater” (his chosen term of disdain) who raises an AK-47 and misses. He is shot in the right shin, shattering his lower leg. Seal Team Six is not for the faint-hearted or the politically correct. But it is a compelling portrayal of a remarkable breed of men capable of things that few of us can imagine – and most would prefer not to think about.
HHH August 14, 2011 SuNday Plus 59
OFF THE SHELF
My Life’s Journey: The Early Years (1966-1988) Author: Altaf Hussain | Pages: 161 | Price: Rs. 795 | Genre: Autobiography
Synopsis: Based on a lengthy interview of Altaf Hussain, the leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (previously Mohajir Qaumi Movement), My Life’s Journey is an autobiographical account of the protagonist’s life and political career and covers the period from 1966 to 1988. It provides illuminating insights into the rise of a powerful political party and its charismatic leader. Altaf Hussain’s early encounters with prejudice against a struggling group of immigrants from India known as ‘Mohajirs’, his disillusionment with religious parties and their claim of impartiality towards all fellow Muslims soon led him to create a robust and coherent political party from the amorphous group of people who were given the name of ‘Mohajir’. Not only is this book invaluable as an early blueprint of the MQM’s future development and concerns, it is also an impressive record of how an individual, with the help of a small group of colleagues, generated political consciousness amongst a people who felt powerless in their adopted country and helped them to stand up confidently for their rights – and, later, for the rights of the underprivileged people of the entire country. Altaf Hussain was born in Karachi on 17 September 1953. His parents were immigrants from India. His father, Nazir Hussain, was a Station Master in Indian Railways who, after migrating to Karachi, worked as an office worker at a local mill. Altaf Hussain’s grandfather, the late Muhammad Mufti Ramzan, was Grand Mufti of the town of Agra in UP, India, and his maternal grandfather, Haji Hafiz Raheem Bhux, was a reputed religious scholar in India. Altaf Hussain completed his Bachelor of Science from Islamia Science College (Karachi) in 1974, and Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1979 from the University of Karachi. He began his career as a trainee at Karachi’s Seventh Day Adventist Hospital. He also worked simultaneously for a multi-national pharmaceutical company. Between 1970 and 1971, Altaf Hussain joined the National Service Cadet Scheme. Soon afterwards, he was recruited in the Baloch Regiment of the Pakistan Army. Mr Hussain has been politically active from a very young age. While attending the University of Karachi, he served as General Secretary and, later, as President of the National Students’ Action Committee. He founded the All-Pakistan Mohajir Students’ Organization (APMSO) on 11th June 1978. The APMSO was formed as an activist group campaigning for the rights of Mohajir students at the University of Karachi. Later, in 1984, it gave birth to the Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MOM). On 19th June 1992, the Pakistan Government launched the first army operation against the MQM. A month before the operation, because of an attack on his life on 21st December 1991, Mr Hussain fled from Karachi to London where he sought political asylum which was granted to him by the British Government. While in exile, he transformed the Mohajir Qaumi Movement to Muttahida Qaumi Movement in 1997 in order to provide a nationwide platform to the oppressed of the country. Despite his self-exile, Mr Hussain holds considerable political influence and power within Pakistan.
The Cypress Tree (A Love Letter To Iran)
Author: Kamin Mohammadi | Pages: 288 | Price: Rs. 1950 | Genre: Biography Synopsis: Kamin Mohammadi was nine years old when her family fled Iran during the 1979 Revolution. Bewildered by the seismic changes in her homeland, she turned her back on the past and spent her teenage years trying to fit in with British attitudes to family, food and freedom. She was twenty-seven before she returned to Iran, drawn inexorably back by memories of her grandmother’s house in Abadan, with its traditional inner courtyard, its noisy gatherings and its very walls steeped in history.The Cypress Tree is Kamin’s account of her journey home, to rediscover her Iranian self and to discover for the first time the story of her family: a sprawling clan that sprang from humble roots to bloom during the affluent, Biba-clad 1960s, only to be shaken by the horrors of the Iran-Iraq War and the heartbreak of exile, and toughened by the struggle for democracy that continues today. This moving and passionate memoir is a love letter both to Kamin’s extraordinary family and to Iran itself, an ancient country which has survived so much modern tumult but where joy and resilience will always triumph over despair.
The OMG Chronicles
Author: Peter Rodger | Pages: 384 | Price: Rs. 1,495 | Genre: Religion and Spirituality Synopsis: In 2006, frustrated with religious turmoil, fanaticism, and fundamentalism, filmmaker Peter Rodger set out on a quest across 23 countries to shoot the epic nonfiction motion picture Oh My God in an attempt to understand what the concept of God meant to people in all walks of life. This book chronicles Peter’s extraordinary adventure as he circled the globe, asking an amazing array of characters the simple (but not-so-simple) question: “What is God?” This is a story of overcoming challenges, as well as a unique travelogue and social snapshot. It delves into the pain of persevering in times of trouble and is also a testament to adhering to one’s own convictions. Philosophical, searching, funny, and very personal, this work will make you laugh out loud, and at other times make you cry. It is devoid of theology, but touches faith on both religious and nonreligious levels. 60 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
COMMENT
By Tabinda Khurshid & Arbab Waheed
BlessingsofRamadan “When the month of Ramzan starts, the gates of heaven are flung open and the gates of Hell are closed and the Shaitaan are chained.” - Bukhari
This year, the Holy month of Ramzan is falling during the long, hot days of August. Ramzan is the sacred ninth month of Islamic calendar that showers the blessings of Allah Almighty. It is the time to seek His blessings and indulge in His worship to please Him. Rozza or fasting means abstinence from all kind of food and drinks from dawn to dusk. A Muslim promises himself to purify his soul, focus his attention on Allah, and practice self-sacrifice throughout his life. Experience has shown that effects of ibaadat (worship) in the blessed month of Ramzan remain upon the remainder of the year. “The month of Ramzan has come to you; a month of goodness and blessing.” Ibn Khuzaymah Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting in their country marks the start of Ramzan, while others believe that technology should be used to mark the true date. In 2006, the Fiqh Council of North America decided they will use astronomical calculations instead to determine the start of Ramzan. “Whoever stands in prayer and worship in (the nights of) Ramzan, with Iman and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven’’. - Bukhari, Muslim Muslims fast from fajar till Maghrib.
Getting up for the sehri and preparation of different foods before the azaan-e-fajar is considered a great pleasure. It is obligatory for the fasting person to confirm his intention before the appearance of fajar. Rozadars try to say all their prayers and read Quran throughout the day. Azaan-e-maghrib or iftari, is the most gratifying time for Muslims who fast. They have different kinds of traditional needs. The lives of Muslims during Ramzan are altered from their regular schedules. One observing the fast abides by the Shariah and is most careful to obey Allah through abandoning his bad habits. Young and old try to avoid dishonest deeds. Muslims undertake the oath to restrict themselves from sinful actions. We find a peaceful environment around us. Ramzan involves the thoughts of joy, rewards and a feeling of Allah’s mercy. The importance of the Laylat al-Qadr cannot be denied which is referred as “the night of decree and the night of power”. Our guidance book Quran was revealed in the 27th night of Ramzan. The night Layla alQadar, can be found on the 21st 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th night of Ramzan. The one who keep fast, changes the time of his sleep, his waking up, his meals; the ways he spends his time; the arrangement of his priorities and interests; and even his emotions and passions, so the ability to change becomes greater. It is about altering our timetables and schedules; it demands us to train ourselves to attain taqwa which in turn, is the element to carry us successfully through the ongoing journey towards the hereafter. As Allah says: “(It was) the month
of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…” - al-Baqarah 2:185
The comprehensive change can be seen in the attitudes of the entire Islamic society through the helping factors which includes charity. Ramzan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity. It is the factor through which the needy people be helped by the circulation of money. Reduction of metabolic rate during fasting is observed to overcome this, a balanced diet is necessary. Think of vegetables and fruits as the main food. Start having carrots and apples especially as that will provide vitamins and other necessary minerals. Simultaneously you should not ignore water. At the time of iftar the main need is to get easily available energy source in the form of glucose. Dates and juices are required in the satisfactory amounts to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. The captivating trend can be seen throughout the Ramzan to organize sehri and iftar for the families by different restaurants. This trend provides the opportunity for the families to sit on one table to make their Ramzan memorable. Let us really make this Ramzan, a profitable one that brings change in our life. Make a sacrifice this Ramadan, and Allah will listen to your prayers with utmost attention!
HHH August 14, 2011 SuNday Plus 61
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Zodiac
August 14, 2011 Sunday Plus 63
PICKS OF THE WEEK
HOTTESTT,, NEWES… LATEST
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 palate enticing eateries that you need to know about. We slog through the jungle to bring you the hippest happenings and must-have information, right here in your copy of Sunday Plus: Your essential weekend luxury.
Nida’s Latest Prêt
Qaid Zindabad!
Ladu clothing introduces exclusive Quaid printed t-shirts, designed specifically for the young generation, for this Independence Day. These t-shirts are bold and loud, as advertised. Get your Quaid tee this day to show some hard-core patriotism. Ladu Clothing promises to share profits from these T Shirts with Edhi Welfare and Shaukat Khanum Hospital. 100% combed cotton is used to ensure prevention of skin rashes and durability of the shirts. Available in all sizes only in green @ Rs. 700/- . Order directly through email (ladu.clothing@gmail.com) or call 03224282566
New Revitalift Formula
The team at L’Oréal Paris has created a unique New Revitalift formula to cater to our anti-aging skin needs! The cream works on three major functions — re-tightening, re-pulping and stabilizing — key to stimulating the skin’s “self-lifting” capacity. Creamy, full, rich and suave, Revitalift leaves a sensation of freshness and comfort and in just 4 weeks, wrinkles are visibly reduced, skin becomes firmer and the face looks four to five years younger. This is appropriate and advisable for women aged 28 and above. Price Rs.1,250, Available at all L’Oréal Paris counters across Pakistan.
64 SuNday Plus August 14, 2011
The mid-summer prêt a porter collection by Nida Azwer has been launched by the fashion house, so get your hands on a classic ensemble that will make you shine this Eid. In shades of white, beige and gold highlighted by signature Nida Azwer elements of intricate lace and screen printing, the collection exudes elegance. An exquisite Nida Azwer prêt outfit is a must have in every fashion conscious woman’s wardrobe. Available at the Nida Azwer Studio Karachi, Ensemble in both Lahore and Karachi, Labels in Faisalabad, Soiree in Dubai and Zainab Alam’s boutique in London.
Iftar @ Cafe Aylanto
Situated in popular upscale shopping districts, Cafe Aylanto has become a household name which represents high quality cuisine and refined sophistication. Café Aylanto promises an extraordinary experience of culinary sensation and offers a consistently pleasurable dining experience in an elegant, yet causal atmosphere. Experience this Ramazan their divine array of iftar menu exemplifying international flavours and artistic presentation. Location: M.M Alam Road Lahore and Zamzama Karachi