Theatre

‘M o u s e t r a p’

Dramaline, one of the most p r e s t i g i o u s societies in LUMS, presented its Annual Play, ‘The Mousetrap’ by

Agatha Christie, in Ali Auditorium. This play is one of the most popular plays of all times. The extremely talented director, Asser Malik, who is currently in the junior year of his Bachelors in LUMS, edited it to present a more updated version of the play. He was definitely the star of the show. Dramaline also lived up to its promise of providing free entertainment to its audience and to all those who appreciate the art of performing. The three day event proved to be a smashing hit.

The set portrayed a guest house named ‘Monkswell Manor’ owned by the newly wed couple, Mr and Mrs Ralston (played by Daniyal and Anum) who were looking forward to four guests- the vibrant Mr Wren (Zain), the irritating Mrs Boyle (Sana), the retired

Major Metcalf (Saad) and the very sarcastic Miss Casewell (Ayesha) and an additional unexpected visitor Mr Paravidni (Asser).

During the play, the radio provided constant alarming reminders of a murder crime that took place in the neighbourhood. The situation tensed up more with the arrival of sergeant Trotter (Yasin) who warned everyone about the danger that engulfed two of the seven residents of the Monskswell Manor, in accordance with the nursery rhyme, ‘Three Blind Mice’. With absolutely no contact with the outside world due to the bad weather, the situation worsens when Mrs Boyles is murdered. Tension and fear slowly reach their peak with every character being suspected of her murder. Their unwillingness to share their secrets, does not go in their favour.

This murder mystery of Agatha Christie coupled with the brilliant efforts of the director Asser Malik, his assistant director, Mariya Dada and the wonderful cast left the audience in a state of awe. The audience sat fully

engrossed and expressions of shock and sorrow were evident from their faces when the cat was let out of the bag. The real murderers, sergeant Trotter and Miss Casewell, leave only after taking revenge from Mrs Ralston in the form of murder, to avenge the death of their younger sibling.

The cast and crew were brought into the lime light and clapping sounds filled the auditorium. Madam Shehnaz Sheikh, who Asser Malik credits and thanks for his success, applauded Asser’s efforts and congratulated Dramaline for pulling off a memorable performance.

a u d i e n c e h e l d i n a w e

By Mulassum Younus & Dania Nadeem

22 I april 24 - 30, 2011

24 I april 24 - 30, 2011

many political families. She will have a lot of wealth and even more pain in her heart for the people of Pakistan.

Kate and William met at their university. However, Bilawal and BQ will most probably meet at a formal or informal dinner or gathering of the Pakistani elite. I wouldn’t go into details of what would happen next, even famous people deserve some privacy, don’t they? Eventually the two families would agree to the match (they would have arranged for them to meet in the first place) and the rishta would be pakka.

The rumours of the engagement will at first be denied by the presidential spokesman Farhat ullah Babur and later confirmed, as most such denials of course are. The question is when it will be announced. Kate and William waited until they were ready. That wouldn’t be the case with the local version. The engagement will be announced near the elections. If there can be sympathy votes there can be mubariki or salami votes as well. Anything for a few extra votes, right?

The response from the media that Kate and William got was pretty boring compared to what our media

would do. Indian cheesy songs playing in the background while pictures of the two flash on the screen in every bulletin (recall the Shoaib-Sania trauma or drama if you are having difficulty imagining this).

The jiyalas will come dancing out on the streets. And there shall be a resolution presented in the parliament by the PPP members to congratulate the couple and unanimously passed. Passionate speeches about “jamhoriat ki fatah” and “qaum kay liyay khushkhabri” will be made.

I wouldn’t be going too far beyond the realm of possibility by saying that this engagement will be met by dozens of conspiracy theories. Oh! our nation loves doing this. “Amreeka” will be blamed. BQ will be declared a raw agent or an Israeli undercover spy. Some might even challenge it in the Supreme Court – oye yeh shadi nahi ho sakti! But all will simmer down eventually, like it always does.

The Westminster Abbey was chosen by the British royal couple for their big day. Where will Bilawal and BQ get married? The Presidency is an option assuming Bilawal’s daddy is the president at the time. I doubt they would do it in Naudero

(funeral there yes, wedding no)! It could be in the Convention Centre though. Then as good a place as any for picturesque setting are the Surrey Palace in England or the chateau in the South of France too. Yes, no one is really coy any longer about their ownership.

Another big question: the Joras. We have no idea who is designing Kate’s dress but there is a lot of debate around it. I can be certain the same debate will take place here. Poor BQ will have to decide Joras for three functions. Hopefully she will make the best choice. Money does not buy everything but it does buy a few.

The entire elite, including politicians, businessmen, sportsmen, the bureaucracy, ambassadors, and not to forget the feudals, will be invited to the wedding. Kate and William didn’t invite Obama. Bilawal and BQ might. The Indian Prime Minister might also be invited. Wedding diplomacy, you see.

There will be a curfew on the day of the wedding. Whereas crowds of thousands of people will mass outside the Westminster Abbey, not even a bird would be allowed to flap its wings near the wedding venue (it sounds better in Urdu). Firdous Ashiq Awan will play the dholki (or whatever you do with the dholki in English) on the mehndi and Babur Awan will be the nikah khwan. The Walima reception will be the biggest event, with most guests invited to that only.

Kate and William will make their first appearance as a married couple on the balcony of the Buckingham Palace. Instead our royal couple shall visit graves at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. After all, we are more sensitive and traditionally-minded than even the Brits.

One thing is for sure: Kate and William’s wedding might be grabbing the attention of the world media but the Pakistani royal nuptials will be much more fun. I am already excited. Another thing to look forward to apart from the 2015 cricket World Cup!

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 25

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40 I April 17 - 23, 2011

the carpet I saw the chowkidar take his nap on. Inflammable to the point that I thought I would self-combust if I stood in the sun for too long. The turban that we had to wear every weekend while standing in the sun, hearing the national anthem oblivious to the fact that every second is taking away our chances of having a hairline beyond 25. (If I saw one of those turbans today, I know it would inspire some very violent behaviour in me as I can only imagine choking the school administrator with it at this point).

We had to wear shorts for the first five years as somehow that was considered apt clothing for children and minors. What is worse is that as a nine year old, our understanding of masculinity was completely shattered as we were made to wear thigh high stockings as socks to compensate for the winter cold.

No denying the purpose for enforcing a set uniform in schools; I am just complaining about design and quality. The core concept behind uniforms is to make sure that

different income brackets, class d i f f e r e n c e s and social imbalances are not present in a classroom. My first hand experience in an environment that is geared to make everyone blend in is that it was asking for the impossible. Although we were all dressed the same you could spot the different groups of style from a mile away. There were always a bunch

of boys who never washed, dry-cleaned, or pressed their uniform and looked like they were millionaires that had lost all their fortune. There was the group who wore it so neatly and with such pride that you would think that it was their favourite outfit and they saved an extra new pair that they only wore on their birthdays. The third, and the largest group was all the kids who were trying to express themselves in

anyway possible and added a touch of their own style to the existing uniform.

As much as the administration tried to curb on any kind of customisation as it diminished the point of the uniform, this group of students never seized to

disappoint in their innovation of style in an environment where options were so scarce.I know that I was meant to be in fashion when I think back upon all the ways I played with my uniform. I remember buying two ties and getting them stitched together to make one wide one. I got a customised blazer stitched with my own preference of back vents, pockets, and fabric as long as it was in the standard colour. It did get confiscated but I made a new toned version straight after. The winters meant wearing different cardigans, which we hid under our blazers instead of the standard issue V-neck by the school that was full of polyester. Days when I felt really adventurous meant wearing a scarf that was screaming for attention by the headmaster. My trousers went through different phases from being skinny to baggy to boot cut.

So what is the solution to the idea of uniforms in the school? I believe that students should be able to express themselves creatively in a school environment in every possible way. To make sure that financial background doesn’t come into play, there should be different variations of the uniform where one can pair separates and make different ensembles as long as they come to the same price range. If students were able to pick and choose from separates in different fits as long as the colour scheme is the same, it would add a whole new dimension to the idea of the uniform.

Blazers should be available in the standard blue fabric in three-, two- and single button with multiple options of vents and lapels. Sweaters could be V-necks, cardigans or crew necks. Trousers should be available in different fits and the standard black shoe has to have options of Oxford, Baroque or Derby.

After all, it’s our own sense of individuality that is the core uniform for any progressive society.

I 41April 24 - 30, 2011

I believe that students should be able to express themselves creatively in a school environment in every possible way

By Sumeha Khalid

Born to star parents Syed Iftikhar Ahmad and Rehana Iftikhar of the Boltay Haath fame, Madiha Iftikhar has always

been surrounded by the showbiz clan. Since her early days, she had been encouraged by her parents to follow her dreams and as time went by, Madiha realised that being on the screen was her dream. Buoyed by the confidence that she had her parents’ blessings, Iftikhar gradually started making appearances in television plays and before we knew it, a star was born.She was soon noticed by the bigwigs of the industry and offers started coming her way. Within no time at all she became a permanent feature in the local drama serials playing the lead role in nearly all the plays. Not just content being an actor, the girl also took to TV commercials and we soon

saw a talented model emerge on the scene.

Q. Tell us about your early days. How did you become an actor? A. It’s common knowledge that my parents have been associated with media. They were hosting the show ‘Boltay Haath.’ I guess it was in my genes to become an actor so I inevitably became a part of show business.

Q. Did your parents

support your decision to make show business

your choice of career? A. My parents have always

supported all my decisions. They are happy. Whatever I am is because of them.

Q. You are a model, host and actor. Which of the three do you like best and you consider your passion? A. Acting is my passion. But hosting can be interesting too; it’s another

Interview

Madiha IftikharMaking it big!

Within no time at all she became a permanent feature in the local drama serials playing the lead role in nearly all the plays

48 I april 24 - 30, 2011

way of interacting with people and the best part is that you are not playing a role here. Rather, you can be yourself for a change. As for modeling, I find it to be a very glamourous profession.

Q. Your take on ramp modeling and TV commercials. A. Can’t say much about ramp as I haven’t tried that as yet; however I do enjoy commercial shoots immensely.

Q. People in our society have preconceived notions about girls in showbiz. That is unfortunately still the case. How does this perception affect you? A. I come from a media family and for me this is the only life I have ever known. It’s a very respected life. I have not come across

such people who look down upon models/actors. It is a very dignified profession and I am very glad to be a part of it.

Q. Name some of the projects you have featured

in and also projects you are working on currently. A. Sirf ek baar, Dil dard dhuaan, Partition ek safar, Tujh pe qurban, Kaisa ye junoon, K a p r a , S o t a y l i , H u s n a husnara, Masi aur malika, are some of the projects that are on air currently. Besides, I’m working on Afia,

Neelum, Khwab, Dhuwan, Parwaz while there are lots more in the pipeline.

Q. How does the male population react when they see you? A. I have never had any freak incidents. The men and women, my fans really have always been very respectful and appreciative of my work.

Q. Any plans of acting in movies? A. I most definitely will if I get a good offer. It all depends on the script and director really. Q. What do you think about the movies being made in Pakistan at the moment? A. There’s room for great

improvement in Pakistani cinema. Our people need to work very hard to come up with good quality productions.

Q. Do we hear wedding bells in the near future? What would you prefer - love or arranged? A. No wedding bells in the near future! I plan to settle down after two years! As for the second part of your question, I would like it to be love.

Q. If not an actor, you would be… A. I would be running an advertising agency with my dad.

Q. One thing you would like to change about yourself… A. I think I have a gentle disposition, I’m generally very sweet to people. And eventually they start taking me for granted.

Q. One thing you love about yourself? A. My decision making power.

Q. Your weakness is…A. That I trust people easily.

I have not come across such people who look down upon models/actors. It is a very dignified profession and I am very glad to be a part of it

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 49

Sehar Ali has perched herself among the illustrious in the fashion business, recently. Her work is a concoction of bridals and formals; bold yet classy, traditional lehngas and shararas to peshwaz with cropped up cigarette pants and eastern attires with heavy embellishments having that extra oomph factor. This promising, up-coming designer owes her brilliance to the strong background of textiles when she graduated from College of Home-Economics about ten years ago. She set out to NCA to complete her Masters.

‘Nilofar Shahid of Meeras would often come to our college to judge our fashion shows and I would emerge as a winner in most of those compet i t ions , ’

Sehar recollects. The passion grew and she upon strong insistence from friends and family ventured into the chic world, initially with home-based work.

Though, Sehar started off her work in 2002, she was not able to take it to a bigger platform till last year when she participated in the Bridal Couture Week that received enthusiastic reviews. ‘This is because there are no proper channels of participation in these mega events,’ she complains. ‘We only got a week’s notice which is a very short time to come up with a collection,’ she says.

Sehar’s sister has recently joined her in this venture and they have opened up a studio on M M Alam Road in Lahore. ‘We are working with a range of fabrics to create designs that are both functional and flattering and cater to a large variety of clientele,’ she observes. The studio offers formals, party wear and the recently introduced prêt line which Sehar believes is vital these days. The ready-to wear is characterized by wearable and contemporary outlines but has little variety as they are still determining the response from the customers but it is nevertheless a good effort.

‘I am not a minimalist when it comes to adding-on the embellishments and end up doing more for the client so that they are satisfied after seeing the end product.’ Sehar reveals that original eastern work that includes dabka, korra, naqshi and resham are making a comeback as opposed to crystals, diamantes, sequins and beads. Sehar’s big plus is that she likes to work around the budget of her clients and is able to integrate diverse elements into her designs.

‘We want to branch out in the coming five years and plan to stock-up in Karachi, Islamabad and Faisalabad,’ she enthuses. Her work will be displayed at the end of April in Islamabad at the latest fashion hub called ‘Aizel.’ She is also attending the Bridal Couture Week to be held in Karachi and will fly to America for exhibitions of her formal line in various cities. All set to become the sought after in fashion circuits Sehar might still have a long way to go, but she surely has the potential to make it big.

Original eastern work that includes dabka, korra, naqshi and resham are making a comeback as opposed to crystals, diamantes, sequins and beads

By Rubia Moghees

Sehar has designs on youProfile

A boutique florist brand for all the right sentiments!

Nature is peculiar; it has the quality as well as the ability to beautify our modern day mechanical surroundings. Flowers have always been part of our culture and it is quite common in our country to use flowers and plants as an essential part of a décor.

Nowadays flowers have become an industry where educated, skilled specialists instead of local vendors have entered the business. Their job is to oversee the metamorphosis of flowers from their organic birth to the final arrangement. Since transportation has opened new venues for businesses, local as well as imported flowers are seen seasonally. ‘Forget Me Not’ is a flower shop that was launched recently in the thriving CC Commercial area in Defence, Lahore. It is a venture initiated and handled by Mr Jawad Yamin who, from what he says, set out to effectively capture the flower market. That’s why they say at Forget Me

Not, ‘Our flowers say it better!’ The shop deals in all sorts of imported and local flowers. Every arrangement is handled like an art piece, thus it has a few signature designs as well. The team of florists and designers are well experienced in this field. Forget Me Not handles all kinds of events. Each project is unique and a lot of creative effort is put into it. Zara Sajid, the Creative Head at Forget Me Not says, ‘We are in charge of planning your special moments, all minute details are looked after truly reflecting your emotions and keeping in mind your personal taste. It’s not about how pretty the flowers are, it’s also the aesthetics that are involved in arranging them in an elegant yet grand manner where they say something. And that’s exactly what makes us different from all the other flower shops because of that extra touch. Here, we fully believe in customer satisfaction because when an event is being planned you have to sit and not only give ideas but incorporate the client’s ideas in the final design’ Another factor which makes Forget Me Not really stand out is their complete wedding package which includes event planning, event and bridal décor, bridal suite décor, catering, sound and lights and automobile accessorizing and detailing. To put it in precisely, it is your one stop shop for bringing your fairytale wedding to life!It is a fresh breath of air and the biggest flower shop in Lahore, with two floors catering to storing, designing and displaying flowers.

ForgetMe Not!By ShahBano Khan

Flower Power‘It’s not about

how pretty the flowers are,

it’s also the aesthetics

that are involved in

arranging them in an elegant yet

grand manner where they say something ‘better’

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 51

In & out summer2011

By Nadia Farooq

What’s out:1. Braids, let the hair lose!2. Heavy eye makeup - avoid please before .

. the sun melts it down.3. Chunky isn’t the funky anymore, lose the .

. chunky bracelets.4. Carbonated drinks - juices have replaced .

. them.5. Abstract prints on bags, a big no!6. Ribbon on dresses - yes we have had enough!!!7. Single colours are out; it’s the season of colours!8. Politicians and their promises!

What’s in:1. Chooridar pajama, they are the rage!2. Statement jewellery3. Loud hair accessories4. Lawn brands5. Pearly peach, lemon and yes orange! For an evening out

- light grey and stone!6. Strappy stilettos and sandals. Show off that pedicure girl!7. Mineral makeup. Finally something easy and lasting.8. Bold lips, paint em on!

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 52

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 53

Tossed Green Salad

Variations: This is the basic recipe; you can perk it up with chunks of chicken, minced beef, vegetables, mushrooms or sausages.

Ingredients1 egg1 ½ lb potatoes1 large onion1 oz butter4 oz cheddar cheese4-5 oz cream½ tsp saltFreshly ground pepperParsley or mint to garnish

MethodPreheat oven to 180C. Peel the potatoes and slice them finely. Place them in a bowl of water. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat and cook the onion until light and soft, not brown. Grate the cheese. Butter a baking dish and spread a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom. Spoon some onions on top. Sprinkle salt, pepper and some cheese. Repeat, finishing with the layer of potatoes. Beat the egg into the cream with a fork and pour it over the potatoes and sprinkle a little cheese on the top. Bake on middle shelf for an hour. Decorate with mint or parsley and serve hot.

Recipes

Ingredients1 small iceberg lettuce2 small cucumbers1 tomato3 spring onions1 capsicum ¼ cup sweet corn Lettuce leaves

Dressing3 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp vinegar¼ tsp mustard paste½ tsp ground black pepper¼ tsp sugar Salt to taste

Method Tear iceberg and lettuce leaves into bite-size pieces. Dice the cucumbers and capsicum. Slice the spring onions. Thoroughly blend all the ingredients for the dressing and pour over the tossed green vegetables. Garnish with the tomato and sweet corn.

Cheese and Potato BakeBy Fatima Zehra Naqvi

54 I april 24 - 30, 2011

By Saira Ali

“I never really wanted to get into the restaurant business,” says Florence Villiers, Café Flo’s owner. “I only wanted to make

crepes, but before I knew it, it all got out of hand and here we are!” It was in 1998 at Alliance Françoise in Karachi that Florence started making the traditional French crepes which, luckily for us, led to the making of Café Flo. As the new dishes were added to the menu, Florence decided to give it her all, and introduce Karachi to the authentic flavour of her home country. A French chef was especially flown in to train the local chefs in the art of gourmet French cuisine. Her efforts paid off and the little cafe became a ‘must-go-to’ place. It was sometime around 2005/2006 that Florence met Shamira Mapara. “She dreams food, she thinks food, she talks food – she is really very passionate about food. She’s an artist!” is how Florence introduced Shamira. And an artist Shamira is. She paints and sings, but most importantly, she

creates new recipes. “No, no,” says Shamira, “I’m lucky to have met Florence, she is amazing. Me, I have no head for costs or anything. I just dream up recipes and then go wild in the kitchen.” And so the two of them go on, trying to outshine each other by telling me how it’s not them, but

the other one who is more amazing. But the truth is – it’s the dream team combo of these two beautiful ladies that is truly amazing. With their talent, their passion for what they do and their obvious love and respect for each other, it seems they can do no wrong.

Recently, after enjoying many happy years at Alliance Françoise, Café Flo has found a new home – just off 26th street, near the city’s famous landmark, Park Towers. Set in warm colours and soft lights, the interior of Café Flo is designed to instantly brighten your mood. So let that smile spread – stay indoors or walk out into their lovely garden area, alive with the hum of guests, the soothing sound of music and the twinkling fairy lights. Sit down, relax and let the ever-friendly staff take care of you, while you take it all in. As for the food, there is just one word – Divine! From appetizers and entrees to desserts and the fun cocktails the menu offers, everything is sheer indulgence of the senses. I would have loved to give some suggestions, but after hours of contemplation, trying to decide which dish to add to your must-try list – I’m at a loss. So, just put the menu in front of you, close your eyes and know that no matter where your finger lands, you’re not going to regret it.

Cuisine

Romancing the senses

A French chef was especially

flown in to train the local chefs

in the art of gourmet French

cuisine. Her efforts paid off and

the little cafe became a ‘must-

go-to’ place

Imagine a warm setting that offers a rich dining experience to tantalize your jaded taste buds. Imagine a place where you can shed your worries to delight in the subtle play of light and feel the unobtrusive music in the background that gets your foot tapping without stressing your vocal chords. If you have been nodding your head and sighing, then stop. Imagine no more. Café Flo exists

Photos: Tehmina Fatima

April 24 - 30 , 2011 I 55

ULTIMATE MEAL

Ultimate burger from Salt n Pepper.

By Asad Haroon

BIGGEST CELEB FAN

There are too many. I don’t want to name anyone in

particular.

WIERDEST HABIT

I am trying to stop hogging on food these days; I have had some

embarrassing moments there.

542 I april 17 - april 23, 2011

4HIDDEN TALENT

It’s hidden and I don’t know about it.

Suhana Baloch (Cheapmunks)

5Factsabout

2FAVE

GADGETMy cell phone. I

guess that would be it, and definitely my

hair straightener.3

1

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Glamstock

58 I april 24 - 30, 2011