All that glitters - Events & more 6

Interview: Rizwan Beyg 20

The Bane of Working Women 22

Embodiment of grandeur & luxury 23

Massarat’s Makeovers 29

Travel 30

Photo feature 33

Books 36

Careers 38

Music 40

Health 41

Recipes 42

Movies 44

Stars & starlets 46

Glamstock 47

Taroscope 48

Aunt Athena 50

EditorInjila Baqir Zeeshan

Sub EditorsFatima Zehra Naqvi

Sahar Iqbal

Creative HeadBabur Saghir

Graphic DesignersJaveria MirzaSana Ahmed

Mian Nasir

PhotographerMohammad Amir Baba

24

Contents

23Embodiment of grandeur & luxury

Saim Ali showcases in Norway

Fashion designer Saim Ali was recently in Norway to attend the Biggest scandinavian Music and Fashion Festival,Saim showcased his latest ‘Intoxicated’ collection. He is the first Pakistani designer to particepate in this festival.

06 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Rushelle, a clothing exhibition by Sara Khan and Ruby Khan was held at the Trevi restaurant. The collection was exquisite yet affordable. It was just the right blend of traditional and western. It was a beautiful and successful exhibition on the whole. Beenish Mahmood

Rushelle’s Exhibition

08 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Abid Ahsan is currently teaching at the National College of Arts. It is wonderful how he captures the scenic moments in Lahore ranging from ethnicity to architecture. His photography is unique in that it depicts the glass as half full rather than half empty. The concept revolves around street life and instead of prancing on the woes and ills of our society, Abid connotes a positive image of contentment and satisfaction. His photograph titled, a migration of birds is beautifully representing the women of his village migrating to some other area. Like the birds that fly in a forked direction the flowers are cut off into two paths - hence the migration of the birds. Similarly the “Wings of Desire” represents the bottled aspirations that take flight. Whilst the “Hidden Truth” is more about having a strong faith. His most ecstatic and epiphanic piece is the “Secret of Happiness.” It shows a man feeding some crows in Shalamar Gardens. It’s superb how Abid finds happiness, contentment, relief and peace inthe city of Lahore. Beenish Mahmood

The secrets to a happy life!

“A Road Trip” by Abid Ahsan, was a photography exhibition which was a remarkable effort put together by the young artist

10 I November 7 - 13, 2010

The All Pakistan Music Conference held at Alhamra started its journey some forty five years back. The objective is to bring together a diverse range of music from all around Pakistan and to promote and build the love for music among the youngsters of our country. The All Pakistan Music Conference was a huge success and was attended in utmost enthusiasm from across the country. Hosted by a team of experienced personnel, it was a huge accomplishment on behalf of the Pakistani nation. On the whole the event was a ravaging success. Beenish Mahmood

All Pakistan Music Conference

12 I November 7 - 13, 2010

14 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Witches, trolls, fairies & monsters!

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A thrilling Halloween party was organized by Verve. “The Graveyard” attracted many fun

loving celebrities all decked up in the spirit of Halloween. DJ Pope entertained one and all and

Fia & Oops Inc. gave a special performance which was a tribute to Lady Gaga.

I 17November 7 - 13, 2010

Hamza and Nadia

Amanat Ali

Amean

Marina KhanAngelina Malik

Babra Shareef

Rizwanullah and Fayeza

Indus Style AwardsThe Indus Style Awards were held at PC Bhurban.

Hadiqa Kiyani

18 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Indus Style Awards

Pakistani Fashion industry is chock-full of brilliant and hard working people. One of the oldest and biggest names in the list of Pakistani fashion designers is Rizwan Beyg. He is one of the top class designers of the Pakistani

fashion industry. He has made a name for himself on an international level, especially in India and Dubai. He is also known for creating bridal wear with stunning embellishments. His designs are famous for their cuts and luminous shades. Beyg is the first Pakistani fashion designer who introduced printed designer’s voile and cotton fabric. He not only experiments with the style, enhancing glamour in clothes but he also plays brilliantly with colours.

A brief introduction“I completed my Architecture degree from

National College of Arts and acquired some degrees in fashion from England. I started my career by launching my designs in my first show in 1986. I integrated the idea of how naturally beautiful Pakistani women are, but how unkempt and groomed they appear. I tried to depict Pakistani culture through my work and I strongly believe that a woman’s beauty lies in her dressing style. Therefore, I have endorsed modern ideas with traditional culture of Pakistan. I wanted to maintain the true Pakistani attire in my designs. I have made the modern version of Ajkan. I have also designed clothes for Lady Diana, Jamima Khan and Cherry Blair, amongst the celebrities I have worked for”

Have you made any efforts to integrate the Lahore and Karachi fashion weeks? Why are they different? Why can’t such creative people keep politics out of the fashion industry?

Politics are part of any profession of life. You can’t eradicate them. The reason that both Lahore and Karachi are competing with each other is because of the difference in Lahore and Karachi’s culture. If you talk about an effort in collaboration then some of Karachi designers have taken part in the fashion week of Lahore, for example, Deepak Perwani.

Honestly, I have committed a lot of fashion faux pas. The good thing is that no one can pin point them as I never allowed those errors to be exhibited in my wardrobes

Rizwan Beyg

Revered and awed

20 I November 7 - November 13, 2010

You have been known to criticise a design philosophy by calling it ‘Death by Embroidery’.

Doesn’t everyone have a right to differ in their design sense?

“I used the term “Death by Embroidery” for those designers’ clothes which were excessive in embroidery instead of designing. I respect different aesthetic senses of other designers but the reason for branding those designers with this particular terminology was that it was not entirely their effort on the design; the craftsmen were equally responsible for their success. Designer’s main focus is on designing the clothes instead of making clothes beautiful with the excess of embroidery. If that is the case then appreciate those craftsmen who are the real reason behind the success of the designer.”

In what way does your aesthetic sense differ from other designers?

Many top designers have a similar style,but I have modernised Pakistani culture.I have retained the traditional essence in a modernised version. I have brought versatility in my aesthetic sense, as I don’t keep myself to just one perspective of fashion. I have introduced textiles and now we have done a marvellous job with our printed cotton, muslin and lawns.

Tell the readers something about your brand.

I introduced textiles recently and we did very well with our printed cotton, muslin and lawns this season. I also design shoes, bags and home furnishing. My major work deals with the fusion of eastern and western culture. Now I am working on a men’s prêt line which is not the traditional Achkan and Shalwar. It is a fusion collection of shirts, trousers and embroidered jackets.

What do you think about the client’s aesthetic sensibility in Pakistan? Are they experimental or conservative?

I think Pakistani

clients are quite experimental with their dress sense. They are more up to date with the fashion world because of their exposure to different cultures through media. But a lot of them are still conservative, they still follow the herd mentality and therefore, they are lost in the crowd.

New designers face a lot of obstacles here. I have an established brand and the hurdles have lessened with time. I think the government should play an important role in promoting new designers.

Have you ever committed a fashion faux pas in your designs?

I have committed a lot of fashion faux pas. The good thing is that no one can pin point them as I never allowed those errors to be exhibited in my wardrobes.

With so many competitors in the industry how do you manage to stay on the top?

You have to work hard and come with matchless and unique ideas to preserve that quality. I came up with modernized traditional ideas and executed them in my design. I have showed audience the class which they have never seen before. The essence of identity remains the same, but the flavour differs through times.

Where do you see Pakistan fashion industry after ten years?

Pakistan fashion industry has progressed a lot. We had two major international fashion weeks,

w h i c h brought into limelight our talented designers. It was covered by the international media and they appreciated the versatility of our designers. I think as people are getting more responsive towards fashion sense, I am positive that this industry will definitely improve further.

How does a fashion designer avoid replication?

One cannot stop fashion replication. Even if we make an effort to stop it, there is no end to it. The new designers should have faith in their talent and realise that replication of their designs is an indirect tribute to their creations.

Would you like to give any message to the readers?

You should love Pakistan as it is your motherland. You should take

pride in promoting Pakistani brands. Discourage buying Indian brands. You are a Pakistani, so cherish being

one.

I 21November 7 - 13, 2010

Aliya is a Lahore based journalist with a presence in her fraternity that is enviable, and a reputation for well researched

work. But this does not mean her professional life runs smoothly. In fact, Aliya still suffers from some of the most exasperating problems in her everyday life: degradation at the work place.

“I have reached the top through hard work, honesty and passion,” she says. “But several people back bite and say I butter up my bosses. Others think of worse situations for their own cheap thrills. They spread rumours that my character is loose, but I don’t care, really.”

Aliya’s example is only one among several other women who want to work and have to face such a long and frustrating series of hurdles that some even give up. There are several others who do not stand up for their rights in their work places.

Sexual, physical, mental harassment and all other forms of discomfort that women face only in order to follow their dreams or become economically independent are still very common. The fact that even in today’s day and age this is happening, points to the fact that either women have accepted it, or that society itself still has not broadened its perspective.

Being abused and harassed by men is disturbing enough. But in actuality in many places, this is often encouraged by women themselves resulting in an uglier picture.

Samiha is a newly graduate doctor who was working in a government hospital in Karachi. Passionate as she was in making accomplishments in her career, she was often bullied at work by other women during her house job, and made to feel insecure, and even incapable.

“They whispered about me when I used to enter the room,” she says. “Doctors on duty often flouted my

By Xari Jalil

‘People back bite and say I butter up my bosses. Others think of worse situations for their own cheap thrills. They spread rumours that my character is loose, but I don’t care’

authority in front of the nurses, and left me embarrassed. In other instances, when I tried to be friendly with fellow doctors and nurses, I would face sneers or see expressions of contempt on their faces. In their own capacity, I saw, they often dodged their work or left it to be done by me.”

Samiha goes on to say that it was the male nurses and other medical staff whose attitude was better to her than the females something very surprising. Women who are professional and efficient workers face more harassment by their female counterparts, who indulge in spreading gossip about them. The reason is insecurity in those female colleagues, about themselves.

“At the workplace, on the street, in the clients’ offices, we are not left alone,” says Saima, a young banker, dryly. “We have to be aware and conscious of how we look, how we dress, whether our dupatta is okay, whether we are ‘too friendly’, or ‘too snooty’, whether we are being stalked on the road, or leered at, at the signal. We should be getting rewards for how well we work despite all these problems!”

Add to this, issues at home, and the whole picture becomes almost complete. Unmarried women are often scolded by their parents for reaching home late, and married women by their husbands or in laws for not taking care of domestic responsibilities.

Rabia has left her job because of family pressure. “It was obvious that my husband did not like my working alongside men in the office, and so he threw tantrums about my irresponsibility at home, and

my ignoring the children, until I had to quit.”Meanwhile Raana Malik, who is a Professor

of Gender Studies at the Punjab University completes sides with the Working Women Protection Bill. “This is very good idea, but let’s see if it’s implemented,” she says. But she does not single out the aspect of women antagonising women.

“Of course this happens and will happen until we do not change the perspective

of people through literature and media. The solutions are in

long term steps, rather than in short term steps.

Women need support

at

t h i s moment

in time.”

22 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Colour combinations to thrill your senses, sublime intricacy of embellishments, chic cuts and magnificent use of fabric are only some of the features of Mehdi’s collection. The style guru’s talented touches promise to fulfill the dreams of fashion conscious women who truly recognise what panache means. All in all, the designs embody grandeur and luxury.

Embodiment of grandeur & luxury

Photography & Coordination: Ather Shahzad

Hair, Make up & Styling:Shahzad Raza @ Ather Shahzad Studio

Outfits: MehdiModel: Cybil

Text: Injila baqir zeeshan

Massarat Misbah is a very talented beautician. She has the ability to transform any face to make it look appealing and charming. Her magical touch can do wonders for any woman belonging to any age group. Lounge brings you makeovers of real women and not just fashion models.

Real makeovers for real women

We begin by cleansing, so that the skin is prepared for makeup.

We apply a light shade of base according to the complexion.

Then we apply a yellow-gold as base eye shade.

A thick eyeliner and mascara are applied to give a chic look.

A second layer of black eye shadow is merged with the base eyeshade.

As eye make up is dark, a soft pink lip colour is used to complete the makeover.

You are

invited!to send in your picture with a few words

about yourself and you can

WIN A FREE MAKEOVERto be featured in this column.

Just write to us on: lounge@pakistantoday.com.pk

After makeover

I 29November 7 - 13, 2010

Never has a solo trekker returned alive from Makra!’ M o h a m m e d Arshad, who was pretending

to be my guide, said ominously as we walked out from that rag-tag group of cheap eating places at Paya. We had taken a jeep out of Shogran (Kaghan Valley) for the fifty-minute ride out past Sari to Paya and all along young Arshad had been telling me how the fog rolls in to obscure everything. That is when people get lost on Makra, he said. And die, he added grimly.

The memory of the group of students from Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar who went up Makra in June 2004 and got lost on the way back was

Mountain of no return

By Salman Rashidi

Makra peak is the highest

on the skyline

Kaghan valley

The tarn that is the sari

fresh in his mind. Indeed, in the mind of everyone else we met at Paya. Two of them never made it back and their bodies were discovered after several days of frantic searching. Both had expired from exposure. Listening to the story of their escapade, it was clear that none in that ill-starred group was a hill walker (though there was a Chitrali among them) and none understood mountain topography. Wet behind the ears, they had blundered some way up the mountain and, on the descent, lost their way in the fog.

At Paya, as he sat wolfing down his breakfast, Arshad gave me the first inkling that he did not really know the way up Makra. That, and the fact that a thick fog covered the hills around us, did not make the Makra proposition a very attractive one. A guide, said my guide, was necessary if we were to make a success of our little enterprise. How much, I asked. Oh, maybe a hundred and fifty rupees, the restaurant owner said. So let’s get one, said I.

But the youngster who had just then sauntered in said guides did not come for less than seven hundred rupees. I lost my head. Why, a high-altitude mountain guide in whose hands you can happily place your very life on the most dangerous Karakorum glacier costs five hundred rupees per day. For the price these people were asking for a hill that was a mere 3885 metres (12,750 feet) high, I said, I expected to be rendered several other services as well – services that cannot be mentioned here for then this piece would fall in the realm of pornography. The talkative cook of the neighbouring eatery who was listening in

There was no way I could convince the man that I had seen Makra long enough to mark my route and there was little chance of my getting lost now – fog or otherwise

30 I November 7 - 13, 2010

guffawed wildly and the youngster went into shock. Arshad pretended not to have heard. He might also have wished that he didn’t know me. For added effect, I told the young man what he could do with the so-called guide.

Now, Paya from where one starts walking for Makra, is about 3100 metres and as hill walks go, this one to Makra is hardly a difficult undertaking. But I did agree with Arshad that fog could turn it into a nightmare so I told him that together we could blunder into the caper and make it work. When he was finished with his breakfast, we set out with everyone we came across attempting to strike the fear of the god of fog in our hearts. Nearing the last house of Paya, Arshad informed me that a certified guide lived there. And so I made the acquaintance of Imtiaz Ahmed who flaunted a badge that read, in Urdu, his name appended with ‘Tourist Guide.’

He said I could pay him whatever I wished. But a bunch of fifteen idiots from Lahore the week before had paid him two thousand rupees. I said those people were mentally retarded and physically unfit from eating an excess of fatty siri-paye but that I was of sane mind and healthy body. Moreover, I told him the sorry tale of the abject poverty I lived in at Lahore.

As we stood there yakking, the fog miraculously opened a small window. In front of us was a peak with a benchmark visible on the crest. Arshad said this was Makra. He had scarcely put a full stop to his sentence when the fog cleared some more and another higher hill appeared in the background.

‘And that?’ I asked, ‘what do you call that?’‘Well, actually, you see, that is the real Makra.’ Mohammed Arshad

could tell no lie said with some hesitation.It turned out that this lot of ‘tourist guides’ routinely passed off the

lower hill as Makra to unsuspecting fat-bottomed Punjabi tourists. Led them up it, relieved them of good money and showed them out of Paya with the illusion that they had climbed Makra.

Meanwhile, the window remained open long enough for me to mark the route up the hill. Then the fog rolled in again. I told Arshad he could relax with his guide friend and I would be back in about six hours.

‘Never has a solo trekker returned alive from Makra!’ Arshad tried again.

‘You make it sound as if the slopes of Makra are littered with thousands of cadavers of lost hill walkers.’ I said. ‘And I know of only two unfortunate young men who were claimed by the hill last year.’

‘It’s the fog. It’s the fog!’ said Arshad with an expansive sweep of his hands in the direction of the murk that concealed our hill once again.

There was no way I could convince the man that I had seen Makra long enough to mark my route and there was little chance of my getting lost now – fog or otherwise. But the man went hysterical: I was his boss’s client and what would he tell him and indeed my wife when I failed to turn up.

‘Tell them the fairies took me.’ I called as I walked away.

Arshad was not relenting, however. He sent Imtiaz running after me. The man came up and offered to take pictures of me (with my camera, of course) on the summit. He said he could also do a neat bit of video filming if I so wanted and had a video camera. Evidently these nice simple folks were taking me to be just another Lahori tourist who couldn’t tell an arête from a knoll. And whose only object in life was to get somewhere and have his clowning filmed and photographed. Only I was too old and thus clearly a hazard on the hill. The man even offered to accept whatever I was happy to pay him.

I grabbed his shirt front and stuck my hand into his breast pocket. I told him I would charge five thousand rupees to permit him to come with me. The man looked at me as if I was crazy. Then I rifled through his other pocket. He had to pay in advance or he could get lost, I said. He broke off and walked away saying the fog was heavy and I was not likely to ever return.

‘You can come looking for my corpse after four in the afternoon.’ I called after him and that was that.

Past the houses of Paya the trail entered a lovely copse where the wind was rich with the aroma of pine resin and bird song. Through a small clump of Gujar houses I was soon in the midst of the encampment of Pakhtun herders. Years ago Bashir, my mountain guide friend from Naran, had told me to always introduce myself as a colonel because most criminally inclined people were terrified of nothing but the army. And so I lied to the two men who came out to greet me. In the event, this turned out to be just as well.

Past the houses of Paya the trail entered a lovely copse where the wind was rich with the aroma of pine resin and bird song

I 31November 7 - 13, 2010

Beyond the Pakhtun encampment, the trail climbed up the knoll growing on the side of the Makra massif once again visible in the clearing fog. Having zigzagged up about an hour or so, I reached a ridge that seemed to lead straight up to the crest. The earth and the shards of rock littering it were a deep red colour. The summit, or what seemed to be it, was visible against a dull grey sky. Behind me, I saw that I was level with the benchmark on the false Makra.

Again the fog lifted a little and I saw the tall cairn that marked the actual summit. I strolled up to it hoping to glimpse those fabulous views into Kashmir and Muzaffarabad. But thirty minutes of waiting only thickened the fog. No views, and no chance of me gadding about on the skyline for Arshad and Imtiaz to spot me. So I laid the customary stone on top of the cairn and photographed myself with it before starting back again.

Less than three hours from Paya to Makra top was not bad going for an out-of-form hill walker. And about an hour and a few minutes (not counting the forty-minute break at the Pakhtun camp) back was equally good. Arshad couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw me. I failed to make it, I said in mock dejection.

‘From your face I know you reached the top,’ said he. Then I showed him and Imtiaz the photos of the cairn with and without me – digital cameras be blessed.

‘You made it to the real Makra top! Said Arshad excitedly. ‘And returned alive. You’re the first man to have done it!’

‘Yes. The cadavers on the slope were a bit of problem, though.’ I said pretending to be smug. ‘The stench was terrible and it was hard work stepping around them.’

As we walked back to the

jeep pick up point, Arshad couldn’t stop talking about my ‘great feat.’ His drift was that I was the first Punjabi to have gone up solo and returned. Why, sometimes even local people got lost, he added for emphasis. It turned out that Kaghan wallahs did not think much of us heroic Punjabis – even less of Lahoris with fat bottoms who could only talk with any facility of rich, greasy, unhealthy, heart attack-inducing food. Lahoris who despite their apparent physical shape could not walk two steps without pausing to catch their breath and who took nearly six hours to false Makra and back. And these were all young men in their twenties. Neither Arshad nor his friend Imtiaz, the guide, had known of a bald, middle-aged man doing such a thing by himself. Arshad assured me that this was the making of a legend of sorts. Not a very flattering view that most people hold of us gallant Punjabis, then.

Postscript: It is interesting that the names of Sari and Paya, the two summer grazing grounds that lie between Shogran and Makra, have taken on a gastronomic connotation on the tongues of fat-arsed Punjabi traders and s e m i -l i t e r a t e y o u n g people. They are now called Siri-Paye – trotters and skulls, that

Lahori palates so relish.Sar means ‘lake’ in Hindko, the

language of Kaghan, as well as in Seraiki and Punjabi, and Sari would be a pond or a small lake. Sure enough, to make this an appropriate handle, there is a little tarn at Sari. Similarly Paya in Hindko is a high grazing ground. At over 3000 metres above the sea, that is what Paya actually is.

What surprises me is that all so-called travel writers filling up page after page in Urdu have never got this simple thing right. Even a famous photographer whose breath-taking pictures of Sari and Paya had graced a calendar some years ago had the names wrong in the captions. The kind of tourists I saw at Paya will never read anything in English

– actually they’ll never read anything in their lives. And so, Sari with its pond and Paya the

grazing ground w i l l f o r e v e r r e m a i n

s i r i - paye on the tongues of ill-

informed tourists and those who hear their tales.

As I made the summit, two hours and forty minutes out of Paya, the fog rolled in again. This time it reduced visibility to less than twenty metres. In that roiling pea soup, I sat on a boulder on what I imagined was Makra top and had a drink of water

The Kings of Leon is an American rock band heavily influenced by Southern blues that made its debut in 1999. The band has since released four albums, the latest being ‘Come Around Sundown’.

Listeners who became fans of the band after last year’s ‘Sex on Fire’ and ‘Use

Somebody’ would definitely find a change in this album. The band brings out a new energy to this album, taking a shift away from the lighter riffs and the radiant, soulful lyrics.

The first track in the album is ‘The End’: a strong song to start off with because it’s one of those songs that come in one piece at a time. It talks of the dismal side of the world; with lyrics like, “Cuz I ain’t got no home, I’m out here all alone”, accompanied by a bluesy melody and the riffs permeated throughout the song, helps cement the fact that “this could be the end”. Being ‘the end’ of the beginning, it denotes irony, a prevalent feature of the song.

‘Radioactive’ and ‘Back Down South’ are laden with the themes of homecoming. ‘Radioactive’ is a very punk-rock song, but saying as it does in its powerful chorus, “it’s in the water, it’s in the story of where you came from”, it says a lot about the strength of the song itself. ‘Back Down South’ also brings in the Southern Texas feel to it.

‘Pyro’ is the finest yet the most difficult song in the album. It’s a quiet song with perfect vocals with every bit of the required emotion to carry the track. The next song, ‘Mary’, brings out the entire energy of the album. Like ‘Radioactive’, it is one of those songs intended for casual listening.

‘The Immortals’, on the other hand, has some of the best lyrics ever, and one of the best choruses ever written by the Kings of Leon, to put it in their own words. The lyrics hit home: “the open road, the path of greatness, It’s at your fingers, Go be the one that keeps on fighting. Go be the stranger”. On top of that, the instrumentation goes super-fast and it’s like out of nowhere the bottom just drops and the music drops like a free-fall.

‘Beach Side’ is very beach-y and has a slightly 70s touch to it. ‘No Money’ is the typical punk-rock number with a raw element to it, accompanied by some brilliant drum beats. ‘Pony Up’ is definitely a fun song, with a lot of drumming going on in the background, the cowbell and the tambourine.

There are other numbers like ‘Birthday’ and ‘Mi Amigo’, which are although not very brilliant but definitely worth a listen. The last song on the album, ‘Pick Up Truck’ again brings the romance of the southern man, the camp fires and the blues.

‘Come Around Sundown’ is definitely mellower and darker. Overall, the Followils have done a tremendous job in trying to bring out the band’s true sound and ardent fans would surely find the album worth it.

Music

‘Come Around Sundown’

The latest from Kings of Leon

By Bushra ShehzadThe band brings out a new energy to this album, taking a shift away from the lighter riffs and the radiant, soulful lyrics

I 33November 7 - 13, 2010

Remnants of a Glorious HeritagePhotography: Yasir Nisar

A view of the historical tombs of Uch Sharif, which

are considered masterpieces

of Islamic Architecture, are

on the World Heritage site list

of UNESCO.

A fish-eye view of Shahi Masjid of

Chitral.34 I November 7 - 13, 2010

A view of Mereweather Memorial Tower in Karachi.

An early morning view of Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert.

I 35November 7 - 13, 2010

Sheikhupura Fort was built at the centre of a forest in 1607 on the orders of the Mughal

emperor Jehangir.

Badshahi Masjid captured from the top of Lahore Fort.

36 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Books

Iqbal Academy, Pakistan has undertaken an onerous but challenging project of publication of six voluminous books in a series on the biography of the Poet of the East

Allama Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal (1877-1938). The first two form the subject of this review.

The author is an exuberant young historian, educationist and playwright with a special interest in Iqbal. In the preface to the first serial he avows that he has deviated from the familiar norm of the biographical writings adopted in the early 20th century inclusion of the interesting anecdotes from the subject’s life and exclusion of all that is not worthy of attention in it.

Instead he is purported to have emulated the Muslim biographers who incorporate all minor or major details concerning their subjects in their biographies. The presentation needs a touch of honesty and grace on the part of the biographer. Only the reader as the ‘end-user’ is to decide as to the cognizability or otherwise of the stuff.

With little pretence to omniscience or what may be termed as authorial impartiality, the writer has ventured to enclose all necessary information and available data on Iqbal within the space of these two self-contained volumes.

In the common parlance a biography is more than a list of impersonal facts (education, work, relationships, and death); it also portrays the subject’s experience of those events. Unlike a profile or CV (resume), a biography presents the subject’s story, highlighting

By Syed Afsar Sajid

various aspects of his or her life, including intimate details of experiences, and may include an analysis of the subject’s personality.

Viewed in this perspective, the two books under reference provide a fair insight into Iqbal’s early life and the formative period of his emergence as an accomplished creative artist and a popular national leader.

The book is written in an unconventional style closer to impressionism as borne out from the titles of the chapters in the catalogue and their subsequent illustration in the content. This also accounts for the readability of the book.

At the age of two, leeches were applied to suck the malignant blood in Iqbal’s right eye as a result of which he lost his sight in that eye for ever. The circle of Iqbal’s childhood friends comprised Khushia, Jhanday Khan and Mohammad Taqi, the younger son of his illustrious teacher Meer Hassan. They called him Bala. At the age of nine, Iqbal began to take interest in music which caused him to recite his verse with melody at functions and mushairas. His apprenticeship as a student with Meer Hassan started at about the same time when he joined class six at the Scotch Mission High School in Sialkot.

It is common knowledge that Iqbal sought correction of his verses from Dagh Dehlavi. When Sh Abdul Qadir (Editor Makhzan) visited Hyderabad Deccan, he heard Dagh proudly pronouncing this fact. Iqbal’s poem Himalya was first published in Makhzanwith a note from the editor saying, “Sheikh Muhammad Iqbal Sahib Iqbal, MA officiating professor, Government College, Lahore who is fully groomed in both western and eastern sources of knowledge, addresses the Himalayas in the manner of Wordsworth by transmuting his western thoughts into poetry.” Sajjad Haider Yaldram, Abul Kalam Azad, Khushi Muhammad Nazir, Hassan Nizami and Maulana Hasrat Mohani were already writing for Makhzan in a romantic vein like Iqbal.

Iqbal RediscoveredThe author has not idolised his hero;he has painted him as a human being endowed with some extraordinary qualities of head and heart

I 37November 7 - 13, 2010

Title:

i) Iqbal – Ibtidai Daur 1904 Tak (373 pp-Price: Rs.300/- 2008)ii) Iqbal – Tashkili Daur 1905 say 1913 (587 pp-Price: Rs.500/-

2009)Author: Khurram Ali Shafique

Publishers: Iqbal Academy Pakistan,Lahore.Iqbal inherited his interest in

mysticism from his father though he was not literate. Prof TW Arnold, who came to Government College Lahore from Aligarh College inspired Iqbal to do his MA in philosophy. The former too was attracted to the latter. This relationship later matured into a life-long friendship between the teacher and the taught.

Iqbal’s association with Ameer Begum, though short-lived, was creatively quite productive as his poem ‘Abr-e-Guhar Bar’ (Or ‘Faryad-e-Ummat)’ was its fascinating offshoot. His famous poem ‘Tarana-e-Hindi’ appeared in Makhzan under the title ‘Hamara Des’. Earlier Iqbal had recited it at the inaugural session of the Youngmen’s Indian Association.

Iqbal’s journey to London (1905) is graphically described in the third chapter of the second book. Iqbal attended the matriculation ceremony at Trinity College, Cambridge on October 1, 1905 for incorporation of his name and other particulars in the admissions register. Luckily, renowned scholars and philosophers namely McTaggart, Whitehead, George Moore, Prof Nicholson and Prof EG Browne were together at Cambridge at that time. Name of the distinguished Austrian philosopher Wittgenstein (1889-1951) seems to have been inadvertently included in the list as he first joined the Cambridge University as a student in 1911 and later served it as professor of philosophy from 1939 until 1947.

The research thesis assigned to Iqbal under the supervision of Prof McTaggart was titled The Genesis and Development of Meta Conceptions in Persia. Iqbal also enrolled himself with the Lincoln’s Inn in early November, 1905.

Some anecdotes on the lighter side of life keep the narration live and interesting.

Iqbal’s maiden encounter with Atiya Faizi took place on April 1, 1907 at a common friend’s party in London. It was a precursor to a strong intellectual relationship between the two that partly filled the vacuum in Iqbal’s uncongenial marital life. Bergson’s Creative Evolution appeared in1907. Iqbal had earlier theorized the concept in a thesis that he was made to discard in deference to Prof. McTaggart’s adverse criticism which now the latter regretfully acknowledged as unjust – pre-empting the accrual of a unique distinction and honour to the former. Iqbal was granted the BA degree at Cambridge on June 13, 1907.

Iqbal arrived in Germany in July, the same year, to pursue his PhD

Here one Miss Emma Wegenast was his next intellectual affiliate. He had to leave Germany for London after obtaining this degree from Munich University in October, 1907. It was followed by a barrister’s degree from the Lincoln’s Inn in July 1908 whereafter he returned home.

His name as an advocate was entered on the register of the chief court on October 20, 1908. His eminent colleagues at the bar included Lala Shadi Lal, Maulvi Shah Din, Mian Muhammad Shafi, Mian Fazl-e-Hussain, Lala Lajpat Rai and Pandit Shew Narain Shamim. By now Iqbal’s reputation as a leading national poet had been firmly established. His correspondence with Atiya, spread over the next two years, was a source of catharsis for both. Iqbal was appointed professor of philosophy at Government College, Lahore in June 1909, on temporary basis.

Iqbal’s interaction with Muslim leaders and his active support of the Muslim cause in the sub-continent has been highlighted in this part of the book in the usual impressionistic stream of narration. Pertinent excerpts from his poetry tend to

further enrich the account. The author has not idolised his hero, he has painted him as a human being endowed with some extra-ordinary qualities of head and heart.

He portrays Iqbal as a humane, God-fearing gentleman, a highly gifted poet-philosopher, a seer par excellence and an elegant political figure. The remaining four parts of the book are likely to consummate this portrait.

The book is written in an unconventional style closer to impressionism as borne out from the titles of the chapters in the catalogue and their subsequent illustration in the content.

Quote of the Week

God is not a dead equation! - Allama Iqbal

38 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Careers

By Beenish Mahmood

The medical profession requires a lot of research and hard work. Career counseling is almost absent in our society. Without career counseling the full potential of any individual cannot be realized and that would mean wasting the already limited educational resources of Pakistan.

Pakistan is renowned for its medical institutions. However, due to tough competition not everyone can be accommodated. Let us now look into the details of some good universities for medicine in Pakistan. The two topnotch universities according to the rankings of HEC are as follows:

Agha Khan University, Karachi: The tuition fee is divided into four yearly installments of Rs 146,500 for the graduate medical programmes and a fee of Rs 646,500 for the undergraduate medical programmes.

Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro: The tuition fee is Rs 862,000 per year.

The top medical universities of Lahore are:

Lahore Medical and Dental College Private (LMDC): Offers a five year MBBS and a 4 year BDS programme. Tuition fee is Rs 495,000 to 595,000 per year. Website: www.lmdc.edu.pk

Fatima Memorial Hospital College (FMH): Tuition fee is between Rs 495,000 and 595,000 per year. It offers a four year BDS and a 5 year MBBS programme. Website: www.fjmc.edu.pk

King Edward Medical University (Govt): It is the oldest and the most renowned medical university of Pakistan and South Asia. It offers a wide variety of courses and gives admission solely on merit. The tuition fee

Choosing the right career is a dilemma that many young individuals face and making the correct choice is the key to one’s success

To be or not to be!

Medicine as a career: your queries answered given answered and options given for selecting your institution.

I 39November 7 - 13, 2010

In the medical profession in particular there is constant training as new advancements prop up in a matter of minutes. Therefore, only those who are willing to make sacrifices and work hard should join this profession

with Professor Dr Majeed Chaudry

Dr Majeed Chaudry is the Principal of the Lahore Medical & Dental College as well as a practicing General Surgeon.

Q. Tell us about your background and professional experience. What are your specialties and expertise?

A. I did a course from the Royal College of Surgeons, London in 1974. Dr Israel was my mentor who introduced me to a prestigious hospital The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the fact that I started my career from a high pedestal is something that really helped me in this profession. I have recently retired from the position of Principal Fatima Jinnah Medical College and am now heading LMDC. I am also a practicing General Surgeon and was Prof of surgery at the KEMU for a very long time.

Q. What changes have you observed in the attitude and behaviour of students from the first batch that you taught to the present batch?

A. I have had a teaching experience of almost 26.5 years. I have taught in the best medical college of Pakistan and so have received the top merit students. I think all of then are equally refined, mature and sophisticated.

Q. If you were to select a medical student what qualities in your opinion must he/she possess?

A. Aptitude is very important. Often good students are forced by parents to become doctors but unfortunately they do not possess the ability and capacity to become good professional doctors.

Q. What career counseling options are available for students in the medical profession?

A. We offer at LMDC career counseling services on a weekly basis, where we discuss not only the academic issues but give personal support as well. Media and journalists can play a role in promoting this service as well by spreading awareness.

Q. How do you strike a balance between your family life/interests and your professional life?

A. There has hardly been any personal life for the last ten years. If you are a committed professional you have to practice in the evenings and teach in the mornings. I think doctors are burning a candle at both ends.

Q9. Finally what advice would you like to give to the young medical students?

A. If you are focused and determined nothing comes in your way. The road to success is not smooth. It requires utmost dedication and commitment. In the medical profession in particular there is constant training as new advancements prop up in a matter of minutes. Therefore, only those who are willing to make sacrifices and work hard should join this profession.

is Rs 6000 per year. MCAT with a minimum passing mark of 24 is a prerequisite for admission to any medical college. For overseas students the SAT 1 and for local students the university entry test is a demand in the subjects of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and English.

Foreign education in medicine is perhaps the best in the USA and now in China. The tuition expenses vary from country to country. Let us look into some of the top universities:

Johns Hopkins University, USA: Established in 1893 it has a student body of about 500 individuals. Tuition is approximately $39,500, and 85 percent of students receive financial aid. Website: www. hopkinsmedicine.org

Edinburgh Medical School, Scotland: The Edinburgh medical degree has long been one of the most highly-regarded qualifications in the world. The tuition fee is 1,820 pounds per year. Website: www.ed.ac.uk.

Opting for a profession in medicine requires intensive study hours. It involves a lot of practical and theoretical work. Internships at good hospitals will be of benefit at the time of admission. Let us now look into the pros and cons of studying medicine locally and abroad. The tuition fee is the most obvious disadvantage in foreign study options. Education abroad is highly expensive but the opportunity is great in terms of financial aid and scholarships. Moreover, there are on campus jobs that help you cover your costs. Young individuals come back as more informed, confident and mature people who have been provided with a lot of exposure in all fields of life. Studying abroad gives you an insight into other cultures and makes a strong individual who learns to practice tolerance and a sense of harmony. Usually, a foreign degree increases your market value.

Studying at a local university may not give you as much exposure in terms of culture, religion and ethics. However, if you study with a passion and fervour where you want to succeed you can be successful anywhere, be it UK, USA or Pakistan.

Q&A

40 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Health

Co r o n a r y angioplasty and stent insertion is an invasive treatment targeted at restoring normal patency and blood

flow in a diseased coronary artery. It was first performed in 1977 by Andreas Gruentzig in Zurich, Switzerland. Importantly, not everyone who has a coronary angiogram will proceed to have a coronary angioplasty and stent insertion. Approximately, one in three patients having a diagnostic coronary angiography will require coronary angioplasty. The remaining will either continue on medical management or require coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

What is coronary angioplasty?Prior to the procedure, you will

be given a local anaesthetic. A small tube with a small inflatable balloon at its tip is then advanced through to one of your coronary arteries either via the groin or arm. Your cardiologist will then select the target artery using X ray guidance and gently inflate the balloon so that it compresses and collapses the adjacent plaque. This usually restores the patency of the blood vessel and allows blood to flow to the distal heart muscle; a procedure called as balloon angioplasty (Figure 1). In addition, a ring of metal meshwork which is called a stent, may envelope the balloon.

Coronary angioplasty with balloon inflation alone (left side of the figure) and subsequent stent deployment (right side of the figure).

Coronary angioplasty

Therefore, when the balloon is inflated, the stent concomitantly expands. Once the stent attains a stable position, the balloon is deflated and retrieved leaving the stent in place (balloon angioplasty and stent insertion, Figure 1).

Are there any complications?A small number of patients

may get complications. Occasionally, the treatment (stent delivery) may completely block off or tear an artery. If this happens then your cardiologist may recommend an urgent CABG. Therefore, it is important that you are prepared and counselled for this eventuality although, this does not happen in more than 5 in 1000 cases in experienced hands.

Will the stent last for a life-time?Not infrequently the stent placed in an artery

may get blocked. This phenomenon is termed as in-stent restenosis (ISR ). Up to 30% stents can get blocked within 6 months of deployment. There are several factors which can influence this outcome. These include the size of the artery, the medical history of the patient (for example diabetes mellitus), any resistance to platelet inhibiting therapy (see below). Platelets are blood cells which allow clot formation. Following stent deployment certain blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel or prasugrel) are administered to minimise this and hence allow the stents to remain patent. Certain individuals may be genetically resistant to the actions of these drugs and are thereby at an increased risk of ISR.

What happens afterwards?Following the procedure you will be checked

by a member of the team looking after you before

allowing you home. This will include satisfactory inspection of the puncture site from where the catheter was introduced. If there is a significant bruise or swelling then you will be asked to stay for 24-48 hours for observation. Prior to discharge, please make sure that you understand the reason and dosages of your medications.

tFor the first few days you may experience some tenderness or bruising around the puncture site. If this persists then contact your doctor. Furthermore, it is important to avoid heavy weight lifting for at least a week following coronary angioplasty. In addition, you should not drive a car for a week. If you drive a heavy goods vehicle then you should not drive for six weeks following this procedure and your doctor may arrange you to have an exercise treadmill test prior to recommencement of your driving.

Dr Omar A Rana MBBS (Pak), MRCP (UK), Specialist Registrar in Cardiology (UK) is a visiting

Cardiologist at Omar Hospital, Lahore.

By Dr.Omar A Rana

I 41November 7 - 13, 2010

Ingredients

Fish fillets beckty 1 kgFresh bread crumbs 3 cupsOil for deep frying

Batter

Egg 1Salt 1 tspBlack pepper 1 tspRed chili powder 1 tspMustard paste 2 tbspLemon juice 2 tbspButter melted 2 tbspPlain flour ½ cup or ¾ cup

Golden fried fish

Cuisine

Chef Abdul Manan has worked with Royal Palm, World Fashion Cafe, Hot Wok Cafe in Lahore, Eye Television Network, ALite, Masala, Style360 and APlus, and also runs his own catering business by the name of Urban Gourmets.

Method

• Wash the fish fillet with lemon juice and pat them dry. • Then take a large bowl and put all the ingredients of batter and mix.• Then put in fish pieces and coat them.• Let it marinate for better results at least for half an hour.• Then coat each fish fillet in bread crumbs and deep fry in moderately hot oil till golden and crisp.• Serve hot with a cocktail dip.

Mix all and serve with fish.

Dip

Mayonnaise ½ cupKetchup 3 tspTabasco 2 tspLemon juice 2 tsp

42 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Healthy Options

Ingredients

Chicken breast fillets 4 piecesToasted sesame seeds for garnishing

Marinade

Soya sauce 2tspOyster sauce 2tspRice vinegar 2tspGarlic paste 1tspGinger paste 1tspSesame oil 1tspBlack pepper powder 1tspCrushed red chilies 1tspSalt ½ tspOil 4tsp

Tossed veggies

Carrot 2pcsMarrow 2pcsBroccoli 10 floretsFrench beans 1 cupGarlic 1tspOil 2tspButter 2tsp

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, in large chunks1 cup chicken broth

½ cup milk 1 large can (28 ounces) plum tomatoes

2 cloves garlic, minced1 bay leaf

Pinch ground thymecayenne pepper3 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp sugarSalt

8 ounces lasagna noodles3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Pepper1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

In a saucepan, combine tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, cayenne pepper, olive oil, sugar, and half

teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Cook lasagna sheets in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes or until just tender.

Drain and run cold water over them; pat them dry. In a cup, stir a few tablespoons of cold water into the three tablespoons of flour. Stir until a smooth paste forms. Place chicken broth and milk in a saucepan and heat. Add flour mixture to the liquid; add salt

and pepper to taste, then stir in parsley. Continue to cook, stirring, until mixture is thickened and bubbling. Pour a thin layer of tomato mixture into a baking dish. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles placed side-by-side. Add a layer of chicken; sprinkle some of the mozzarella

cheese over chicken. Top with a layer of chicken broth white sauce. Add another layer of lasagna, more

tomato sauce, another layer of chicken, mozzarella cheese, and white sauce; repeat until all ingredients are used or the dish is full, finishing with a layer of lasagna

noodles. Sprinkle chicken lasagna with the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake chicken lasagna at 375° for 25

to 35 minutes, or until browned and bubbly. Serves 4 to 6.

Preparing steaks

Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl along with oil.Using a kitchen hammer, flatten the breasts, mix in marinade and leave aside for at least half an hour.Heat a griddle or char grill pan after greasing it with oil. When oil starts smoking, place chicken breasts one by one and let them cook for five minutes on each side so that they are golden brown and grill marks appear on their surface. Then take them out on the platter and cover with a foil.

Preparing Veggies

Take plenty of water in a vessel and bring it to boil. Add all the veggies one by one in it and parboil them. Do not overcook to preserve some crunch. Heat butter and oil. Add garlic; when it starts releasing aroma, put all the veggies in it and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and serve steak on top.

Assembling

On a nice platter, place steaks on top of the veggies’ bed and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

Chicken Lasagna

Nina Junaid of ‘Nickie & Nina’ likes to cook and eat Chicken lasagna.

Grilled chicken steak Szechuan style

Note: If you want the sauce, put the leftover marinade in a sauce pan and add in half cup chicken stock. Bring them to boil, thicken with corn flour and adjust the seasoning.

Celebrity’sfavourite

I 43November 7 - 13, 2010

‘Unstoppable’

Release date: November 5, 2010Director: Tony ScottStar cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pine and Rosario DawsonGenre: Action

Synopsis: Oscar-winner Denzel Washington and ‘Star Trek’ star Chris Pine team with action maestro Tony Scott in this non-stop thriller. A massive unmanned locomotive, nicknamed “The Beast” and loaded with toxic cargo, roars through the countryside, vaporising anything that comes in its path. A veteran engineer (Washington) and a young conductor (Pine), aboard another train in the runaway’s path, devise an incredible plan to try and stop it – and prevent disaster in a heavily populated area.

‘332 Mumbai to India’

Release date: November 12, 2010Director: Mahesh PandeyStar cast: Ali Asgar, Chetan Pandit, Vijay Mishra and Sharbani MukherjeeGenre: Thriller

Synopsis: What happens when a misled youth commits a stupid crime just to prove his point? What are the repercussions on the general public and people connected to him? How does the government tackle this issue and what does it do to prevent its reoccurrence? ‘332’ is not an answer to the above issues but at least it compels one to ponder; and that is what happens in the film too.

In cinemas now!

44 I November 7 - 13, 2010

‘Tangled’

Release date: November12, 2010Director: Nathan GrenoStar cast: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Flynn Rider, MC Gainey, Brad Garrett and Ron Perlman Genre: Animation/fantasy

Synopsis:The classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale gets a lavish CG makeover as directors Glen Keane and Dean Wellins team to tell the tale of a fair-haired beauty with long-flowing locks, a gallant hero with a heart of gold, and an evil witch who plots to keep these lovelorn innocents apart.

‘Patiala House’

Release date: November 19, 2010Director: Nikhil AdvaniStar cast: Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.Genre: Family

Synopsis:‘Patiala House’ is going to cast 32 sardars in one frame. Parghat Singh Kahlon (Gattu), 34, has just woken up like he does every morning for the last 17 years. He will walk across Southall. He will open the corner store across the tube station. He will tend to his customers. He will hear the neighbourhood boys playing cricket in the back alley. He will remember a dream that could have become a reality. He will tend to his customers. He will watch his father ruling a house, a family, a community like he has for the last 25 years. He will silently tolerate the snide remarks and insults passed by a younger generation. He will pour his heart out to his neighbour’s adopted brother. He will understand the bitterness of his siblings. He will identify with their shattered dreams. He will participate to begin a change. He will finally summon the courage to challenge his father and start a movement that will shake the very foundations of ‘Patiala House’.

‘Morning Glory’

Release date: November 5, 2010Director: Roger MichellStar cast: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson and Jeff GoldblumGenre: Comedy

Synopsis: Produced by JJ Abrams and written by Aline Brosh McKenna of the ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ fame, director Roger Michell’s comedic glimpse into the cutthroat world of live television finds a desperate female news producer. He is attempting to put out the flames between an anchorman (Harrison Ford) and his blustery but iconic co-host in a last-ditch effort to save their failing morning show.

Meet Joe black

‘Meet Joe Black’ is a 1998 American romantic drama/fantasy film produced by Universal Studios, directed by Martin Brest. Starring in the movie we have Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkins and Claire Forlani, loosely based on the 1934 film ‘Death Takes a Holiday’.The plot revolves around the concept of death. Death comes in the persona of Joe (Brad Pitt) to take the life of Susan’s (Claire Forlani) father. An old guy (Hopkins), Claire’s father desires to see his daughter live a life of passion and love. He is willing to give his life to God. He just wants one wish: Susan should marry out of love and not obligation.The film is a beautiful depiction of love, the exotic and the strange pleasures of mortals that Joe as an angel of death experiences. He relishes it and when it is time to return, he wishes to stay in the world with Susan. ‘Meet Joe Black’ was nominated for the Best Music Award, Best Actor Award for Anthony Hopkins and best Supporting Actress Award for Claire Forlaine. The film was a treat for an audience that is sensitive and literary for it explored the motive of death in a manner that was unique and novel. When viewed as a whole, the film exceeded the expectations of the audience and was a smashing success.

Timeless Classic

I 45November 7 - 13, 2010

Stars & starlets

Berlin welcomes SRK, PriyankaShah Rukh Khan, who is shooting the much-hyped sequel of his 2006 hit Don in Berlin, says he is so in love with the city that if told he would not mind dancing on top of a tourist bus. Khan, who plays a dreaded don in the Farhan Akhtar directed movie, said the idea to shoot Don in Berlin came while he was visiting the city during the 2008 film festival.

Kareena’s newfound obsessionSince Saif Ali Khan speaks French fluently, ladylove Kareena too wants to learn the language and profess love in a new lingo. Kareena was amazed the way Saif spoke French and like an ardent scholar, used to learn a few words here and there. Of late, Kareena has developed a taste for foreign cinema, all thanks to Saif. A source close to Bebo said, “The actress wants to go beyond the few words she knows in French. She wants to learn the language fluently and perhaps converse in French with her boyfriend.” Apparently, Kareena and Saif often visit Europe for vacations and Saif simply loves France.Another reason for Kareena to learn French is that her close pal Karan Johar is also fluent in the language.

Wake-up call for RihannaSinger Rihanna, who was assaulted by her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, says she needed a ‘wake-up call’ from God to make her realise their relationship was over. “God has a crazy way of working, and sometimes when stuff happens you feel like, ‘What did I do to deserve this?’ Why was it backfiring on me?” she said. “But I needed that wake-up call in my life. I needed a turning point, and that’s what God was giving to me,” she said. Rihanna, who is now dating baseball star Matt Kemp, admits it wasn’t easy to end her three-year relationship with the ‘Run It’ singer, but is happier now since he is no longer in her life.

Superstar Shah Rukh Khan, the baadshah of Bollywood has a huge fan base all over the world. This time, Chinese people seem to be impressed by SRK’s charisma. Buzz has it that ‘My Name Is Khan’ is scheduled for its premiere in China and the country has not seen the release of any Indian movie for the last thirty years. The premiere of ‘MNIK’ is tentatively slated for November 30 in Beijing. After getting the invite, Shah Rukh and Karan Johar, director and co-producer of ‘My Name Is Khan’, seem to be on cloud nine. SRK and Karan are busy with the preparations to create history with the premiere of their film in Beijing.

SRK to create history with premiere in China

Ashwarya breaks the mythThe beautiful and talented Bachchan bahu has proved the age-old myth in tinselville wrong, about married actresses. Ash who is 36 years old and married to Abhishek Bachchan for the last three and a half years is still the most wanted actress in Bollywood. It is a known fact that most of our Bollywood hotties have to sacrifice their acting careers after marriage due to lack of interesting roles and offers. But Ash is an exception. Marriage hasn’t changed anything for her. She remains to be the most wanted actress in Bollywood. She still has the ‘A’ list directors bee-lining for her dates and roles that will have her contemporaries in awe. She is also a popular face when it comes to commercials. After the super success of ‘Robot’, Ash is now looking forward to two biggies ‘Action Replay’ and ‘Guzaarish’. Love her or hate her, but you can’t deny that Ash can be a source of inspiration for many of our actresses who believe its doom ahead after marriage in tinsel town.

46 I November 7 - November 13, 2010

Watches for womenWatches for men

These are available at Optic World Optic World, 199-200G Raja Center Gulberg II, Lahore

Glamstock

Watch Out!Exciting wrist Watches to choose from

I 47November 7 - november 13, 2010

Your spread is such that you should take care not to cross words with an authority figure. However, if a disagreement were to occur, you should be able to patch things up nicely. Mid week is very favourable for mental work. Luck is with you in financial dealings. This week is fine for travel and for getting your ideas across to others. You may be receiving welcome news from a relative. You should be wary of those who bend the truth. Emphasis is on various changes in your outlook and environment. You should avoid displaying stubbornness or eccentricity.

The ambition card Dec 22 - Jan 21

AFTAB/CAPRICORN

Your spiritual message: “Train yourself to get positive energy at once and you will always be able to do wonders.” Your spread indicates that you will receive good news or a pleasant surprise. Career and romance don’t mix. Educational activities will be slow but need great attention. Your home life will be pleasant. You may have fun and pleasure. Passion will overtake you however, so it’s time to get some sensual healing. Avoid worrying about expenditures because money may come in an unexpected way.

The aura card Mar 21 - Apr 20FIZA/ARIES

This week you have to be careful that you are not too ill disciplined or become too much of a free spirit. If you want to be constructive, try to use your energies to make some important new social connections. If you’ve been having any disagreements with your partner or relatives, there is no reason to let it continue for long. Try to resolve whatever disagreements you may have had and move on. Good news regarding your career will come in the morning hours. Speak gently; this is the key of the week.

The self-card Jan 21 - Feb 19DUA/AQUARIUS

Your spread shows that this week is good for a short journey and for solving personal problems. Domestic tensions may vanish. Skilled or semi skilled workers may face a risk of retrenchment. There is good news for employees at the end of this week but your job will need careful handling. Students may be nominated for an award. Your health will be very good. Be optimistic about personal affairs. Profitable new deals are foreseen. The colour of the week is brown.

The physical change card Apr21 - May21

WISAAL/TAURUS

Your spread indicates that you will function well in group activities. Your leadership will motivate others. You might attract some jealous people if you disclose your plans. Your creative talents will prove to be highly lucrative if put to proper use. Opportunities for work will come through females you know. You could find yourself in an exciting new situation, which will also bring you financial gains. You are likely to benefit if you associate with those who are creative and experienced. You should avoid going to extremes emotionally.

The sensitivity card Feb 20 - Mar 20

JAL/PISCES

Your spread indicates that this is no time for self-assertion, power struggles or trying to force events. Let yourself flow, relax, compromise and allow good to come to you. Happy travel opportunities are coming, but you have to handle your workload. Spiritual gains for some will bring mental peace and happiness. Finances will be very strong till the end of this week. The time is good to rethink and re-evaluate your personal goals and desires. The stone of the week is black agate.

The love card May 22 - Jun 21

ASHIQ/GEMINI

Your spread shows that your home life is controversial and that the kids will need careful handling. Slight breathing trouble may portend a serious ailment. Light sports may help enhance your health. If you are single, chances of marriage are bright. You and your spouse argue over money matters – try not to say anything harsh, otherwise you may have to regret it later. This is good time to fulfill the promises which you have made. The colour of the week is gold.

The growth card Jun 22 - Jul 23

Your spread shows that this week social work will give you extra energy to achieve spiritual and charitable goals. Seek financial advice before making investments to avoid unnecessary tension. Your creative talents will prove to be highly lucrative if put to proper use. You will please your close relatives if you show affection. Hide yourself from people who try to pry into your affairs. There may be quite a few things going on that require your attention. The stone of the week is Jade.

The strength card Jul 24 - Aug 23

QUWAT/LEO

IRTIQA/CANCER

THE ZODIAC AND EASTERN TAROT By Mariam Aftab

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48 I November 7 - 13, 2010

Tel: +92 (42) 35751231, 35710452Websites:www.mariamhealingcenter.com, www.innerstrengthhome.org

Your spread shows that you need friends with whom you can discuss important subjects in depth. You can expect loyalty and honesty from others and should not settle for less. Time is good for forming and deepening existing relationships, especially through group involvement and business activities. Family members and your home are likely to require much more of your time, attention and energy, distracting you from personal interests. Protect your health if you start to get that rundown feeling. Private talks with elders are favourable.

He’s a Gemini, the male sign of the Zodiac most often credited with looking years younger than their chronological years would

suggest. Yes, he’s a wealthy celebrity and all, but still… a cash-canny heart beats behind the entire effortless sanguine cool. He is also a super-astute businessman. He’s got Moon in Capricorn

and he’s with a Capricorn woman. Chemistry is always ultra strong here. Saturn can be positive and good for stability and

long term relationships. But there are aspects which can become a source of friction in his life with Vanessa.

The magician card Sep 24 - Oct 23

SAHIR/LIBRA

The confusion card Oct 24 - Nov 22

Your spread shows that your personal charm will increase this week. It is a good time to try your luck at increasing your financial resources and security. Money will be plentiful and easier to come by this week. The urge to travel is strong. You may explore the outdoors or make a journey. This period will improve communication with friends. You may give or receive advice and you may have sudden intuitive ideas. Be silent in family matters because this is the key of the week.

INTISHAR/SCORPIO

Your spiritual message: “Truthfulness is another key to personal magnetism.” Your spread indicates that your goals and ambitions could be within reach if you are willing to work harder and more carefully than ever before. Just remember to look at every obstacle as one more chance to prove yourself. A misunderstanding involving some financial matter could also be popping up this week. Career matters could be requiring much of your time and attention.

The patience card Aug 24 - Sep 23

THEHRAO/VIRGO

Your spread shows that some matters of minor importance may bother you. You may start a savings plan for the purpose of making a major purchase. Enjoy work of creative nature. Don’t dwell on worries during this week. Fortunate news will come regarding an educational or legal matter. Your intuition will put you on the right track as far as your job is concerned. You will come up with some interesting new ideas that pertain to business, but it may not be the best time to present them. Tact and diplomacy will be needed in your dealings.

The luck card Nov 23 - Dec 21

KISMET/SAGITTARIUS

Celebrity Couples&

Compatibility

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Vanessa ParadisDecember 22, 1972St. Maur des Fosses,

France5:20 am

Sun Sign: CapricornMoon Sign: Cancer

Johnny DeppJune 9, 1963

Owensboro, Kentucky8:44 am

Sun Sign: GeminiMoon Sign: Capricorn

Q: My name is Sadia and my date of birth is 18th March 1991. I am 19 years old, I want to ask you about my marriage?

A: Sadia, according to your stars, you will get married after two years.

Mariam Aftab is a renowned healer offering self-help courses and counselling services. Readers can send in their questions regarding any problems at mariamhealingcenter@gmail.com

Ask the Expert:

Mariam Aftab

I 49November 7 - 13, 2010

Dear AAI am single, and ready to mingle, but I want to enter into a relationship with a nice girl. I belong to a conservative family who will not permit me to have an affair. What should I do? Ready to mingle

Dear Ready,I am clueless as to whether you are a girl wanting to have an affair with another girl, or a boy desiring a woman! But both ways, I would say that there are a hundred and one ways these days to mingle without even being noticed. One of the easiest ways is the Internet, especially social networking websites. I wonder why you haven’t explored it so far. Similarly, sneaking around unnoticed, and getting into an affair is not a big deal but what is more important is to figure out whether you are looking just for an affair or you want to settle down in life with that person. Therefore, before mingling, be clear about your objectives, or else you might end up asking auntie another question. Dear AAMy economics teacher is harassing me. He wants me to have an affair with him. He is married and has three kids. He is head over heels in love with me. He follows me wherever I go. I have no idea who to talk to about this problem. Tell me how to handle the situation. Harassed

Dear Harassed,Getting scared will not do you any good. It will rather give more strength to your teacher to harass you. At the moment you are alone and weak, so it’s not advisable to solve the issue on your own. The best way out of this scenario is to take someone from your family into confidence and tell them. Just let them handle it as it is a serious affair. Sit back comfortably and see how the cookie crumbles.

Dear AAI think my boyfriend is going to ditch me. We are in a relationship for the past three years and now he is acting

weird. He is not attending my calls, ignoring me publicly and throwing baseless tantrums. I don’t want to leave him because I love him so much but on the other hand he is hurting my self-esteem. Tell me what to do. Disgruntled

Dear Disgruntled,When you are truly in love, it’s very natural to get hurt. You know very well that he is going to ditch you but the problem with you is that you are not ready to accept it. You still love him but his feelings have changed. What you need to understand is that love can never be one-sided. You can’t keep him bonded to you. He is doing all this to give you this message which you already have got. If you feel your self-esteem is hurt then before he says it to you upfront, it’s better that you tell him that you cannot continue with him any longer, as he is not sincere in this relationship. And if he is meant to be with you he will realize it and come back to you. As they say, if you love some one, set them free – if the person is yours, they will come back. So be brave and act upon it.

Dear AAI am in big mess; my parents are forcing me to get married. I don’t have any issues getting married, but the problem is that I like someone else. The one I like, is still struggling for his career. My parents are not agreeing upon letting us get married, no matter how much I force them to consider him as my life partner. What should I do? Stuck with struggler

Dear Stuck,I can understand that you have been going through a rough time and you are standing at a dead-end. I will not suggest that you follow your heart and go for it. You have to talk to your parents and make them understand the situation. Tell them to consider your marriage to him. Argue with them logically and make them understand your situation, but don’t rebel against them. Rebelliousness will weaken your case. In the end learn from elders’ experience. But if you decide to follow your heart then be prepared to deal with any tough situation.

50 I November 7 - 13, 2010