Sunday Plus

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herItage

Mohammed Hanif talks about his latest book a gripping tale of love and violence

Hazan Danish shares his experience on being the only Pakistani invited at the World Salsa Congress

In conversation with Former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri

Report on Ghazni and its forgotten monuments

inside this weekSeptember 18, 2011

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fashIon

socIety

style

Designers from our fashion industry give their take on this latest trend of Colour Blocking

58 MovIeReview of the latest Hollywood flick to hit theatres this week

50 featureIs the human conscious being governed by the sleek screens known as Television?

64 PIcks of the weekGo through the smart wish-list for the best buys and best picks for everyone

Report on the happenings and events in your metropolis

Shela in her new collection offers shades of peacock with a sense of freedom

0812 ... and now our lady aliceon the crossroads of diplomacyrendezvousIntervIew

Sunday pluS

editor’S note

Editor-in-ChiefMajid Nizami

Deputy Managing DirectorRameeza Nizami

Editor The NationSalim Bokhari

Editor Magazine:Emanuel Sarfraz

Editorial Staff: Bishakha Khadka Kunwar, Madiha Syedain, Sadaf Pervez & Navirah Zafar

Creative Head:Faiz-ur-Rehman

Creative Team: Shoaib Qadir, Faisal Fazal, HM. Nouman

For advertising:Bilal Mahmood, 0300 - 8493206Muhammad Zaeem 0301 - 8463306Salman Ahmed 0300 - 4116792Shiraz Akbar 0333 - 2310851Khalid Sheikh0345-5130728

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TheNation

Dear readers we are back with another exciting issue of Sunday Plus. This week we are in conversation with former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, who explains the current situation with regard to foreign relations. We are also in conversation with bestseller author Muhammad Hanif whose new novel ‘Our lady Alice Bhatti’ has recently been launched. Meet Hazan D the professional dancer who is the first Pakistani to be invited to World Salsa Congress. He is a specialty choreographer in ‘Salsa-Jive’, also known as ‘Modern Jive’, that is a fusion of British and Latin dance forms. On our heritage pages learn about the forgotten monuments of Ghazni. In our business section meet CEO wi-tribe Mustafa Peracha to explore the market of broadband internet services. Colour Blocking has made a comeback and has been one of fashion’s biggest, boldest and loudest trends. Read what our celebrities have to say about it. On our style pages see the latest pret collection of designer Shehla Chatoor. And don’t forget to read the blog of international interior designer Hamza Tarar.

Send us your comments and feedback at [email protected]

RENDEZVOUS

September 18, 2011 08 SuNday PluS

By Sadaf Pervez

The only similar aspect he links between his two books is that the books deal with people in uniform. “Maybe I have a uniform fetish; the next book could be about a fire-fighter.”

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SuNday PluSSeptember 18, 2011 09

“There should be something concrete and new to talk about,” he says. When you encounter a more personal side of Hanif,

you realise that he is not only a literary giant but a humble man, absolutely hilarious whose followers on the Internet (Facebook & Twitter) are increasing day by day. He is not verbose, but has a profound interest in reading English, Urdu we well as regional literature.

The only similar aspect he links between his two books is that the books deal with people in uniform. “Maybe I have a uniform fetish; the next book could be about a fire-fighter,” he quipped at the launch.

Hanif, as such, does not have one mentor he is inspired by. “It is the simple reading habit that one should opt. When you read books of different writers, you feel the urge to be one of those as well,” he said.

“My last book, for me, was a political thriller,” he said frankly. “Well, at least I wrote it as one, but when I showed it to the publish-ers, they asked me if I had ever read a thriller – of course I hadn’t, so the book became a

murder mystery,” he said. “This one I think, it is a simple love story with common emotions of love, violence, and jealousy,” he further explained.

In conservation with Mohammad Hanif, S+ exclusively got the chance to get up-close and personal with him and to talk about his latest book:

S+: Many writers hesitate to meet people who are inspired by them. Are you one of them?

Hanif: There are not many inspired by me but I meet people all the time.

S+: You have subtly woven the themes of the marginalisation of the Christian community, inefficient functionaries, women being looked down upon and religious discord. Why is such a dark land-scape in a love story?

Hanif: I guess my brain is a dark dungeon full of morbid thoughts. But I still try and think up love stories.

…and now our Penning thoughts about Muhammad Hanif is difficult. You first have to explore the world that he creates in his novels. None of the characters in his book are flat and round. They are vibrant and full of life and so is the writer. He himself says that the writing process for him is like a child sitting in the play area. Meeting Mohammed Hanif at the launch of his second novel ‘Our Lady of Alice Bhatti’ at the National College of Arts was quite an experience. Impressive in many ways, he is witty, frank and straight forward. His writings are enviously lucid and his wry interpretations are contagious.

lady alice

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S+: Both the books are completely different. But characterisation in both books is very strong. They don’t let you feel apathetic - especially Alice who is a strong headed person. This is the reason I believe she is our Lady. Why is it so?

Hanif: Well thank you. I wanted to write a strong character and I hope she comes across like that.

S+: We have grown up listening to the curious case of Zia-ul-Haq’s death and how the Christian community were treated during our grannies time. While writing do you keep in mind what may or may not be of interest to readers?

Hanif: I don’t think how we treat people who are not of our faith has changed much. In 1946 it was Hindus/Muslims/Sikhs kill-ing each other. Now we have expanded our horizons. So Shias, Barelvis, Deobandis and specially Ahmedis are all fair game. But yes, through it all we have continued to love.

It is not possible for a writer to first define the interest of readers and then write according to their speculative interests. The writer itself is a soul. What can inspire and how that will be scribbled is completely a personal thing. While I write, I only worry about my immediate friends’ reactions; I am supposed to please them and even at times try to surprise them.

S+: Was it pressurizing to write the second novel following the success of the first book, A Case of Exploding Man-goes? Do you wait for the critics’ review and readers’ response?

Hanif: I do read the reviews but you can’t really write to please some people. Everybody reads a book differently. Writing novels is difficult; at least for me. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the first or the fifth.

S+: You are translating poems of famous Sindhi poet Hassan Dar. Do you think with the help of translations people’s interest in Urdu literature could be revived?

Hanif: Translations help us in under-standing what others are dreaming about and it’s quite sad that not many Punjabis know what is being written in Sindhi and vice versa. And no non-Balochi has a clue what Baloch writers are writing. We have become deaf to these things.

S+: What inspired you to write your first book?

Hanif: General Zia’s death and the fact H H H

that nobody was interested in finding out who killed him.

S+: Do you have a specific writing style?

Hanif: I hope so.

S+: Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Hanif: Every day.

S+: What books have most influenced your life most?

Hanif: Bajang Amad by Colonel Moham-med Khan, Notes From Underground, Udaas Naslain, and all of Manto’s work.

S+: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Hanif: Asad Mohammed Khan.

S+: One book you wish you’d written?Hanif: Slaughterhouse 5.

S+: What book are you reading now?Hanif: Midnight All Day by Hanif

Kureishi.

S+: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Hanif: Ali Akbar Natiq and Aman Sethi.

S+: The writing process to you is…Hanif: It is like going to your dentist.

S+: Besides writing, you love to…Hanif: Read.

S+: Is there anything you find particu-larly challenging in your writing?

Hanif: Punctuation.

S+: What has been the toughest criticism faced by you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

Hanif: That my first book was actually a work of non fiction and some people com-pared it to Catch 22.

S+: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Hanif: Sleep well.

INTERVIEW


By Emanuel Sarfraz

Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri belongs to one of the oldest political families of Pakistan. His grandfather Maulana

Abdul Qadir Kasuri was a pre-partition leader. His father Mahmud Ali Kasuri was a member of ZA Bhutto’s cabinet. He entered politics at an early age and joined Tehrik-e-Istiqlal and was arrested a number of times during his long political career in the struggle for democracy. He was appointed Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs in the interim government of Prime Minister Mir Balakh Sher Mazari. In 2002 elections he changed his party affiliation to PML (Q) and won a seat from Kasur. Prior to his ap-

On the crOssrOads Of The art of diplomacy is considered the most difficult. Career diplomats are the ones that keep the country’s relations with the rest of the world friendly and beneficial. Pakistan was lucky to have been served by capable foreign ministers over the years. Mian Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri was the most influential in the area of foreign affairs during the Musharraf era. He served as a foreign minister from 2002 to 2007, the years when Pakistan was USA’s closest ally in the war on terror and all was well in the country. He was the man watching our country’s interests handling the balancing act of keeping good relations with China and the rest of the world.

diplomacy

INTERVIEW


pointment as foreign minister he represented Pakistan on different occasions. In 1972 on an official visit to USA he represented Pakistan. He visited China as a member of delegation in 1996.

In interview with Sunday Plus Kasuri explained his political vision and the current situation with regard to international relations. He said he would not comment on the foreign minister. “The situation today is not so good. I became foreign minister some months after 9/11. At that time there were fears that at-tempts were being made to isolate Pakistan. There was talk of India, USA and Israel nexus. India had offered its bases to USA. Our nuclear programme and Kashmir cause would have been affected. You see after the Pearl Harbour incident USA went on to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

“I am not saying that we would have been bombed but our interests could have been damaged in many ways. Therefore, we decided to join USA in the war on terror. We held independent public surveys in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi and other places to assess the situation. 75 to 85 percent of people were against Taliban. We were justified in joining the USA,” Kasuri said while explaining the situation after the 9/11.

To a query about the American threat to bomb Pakistan, he said it was all dramatized by Bob Woodward to sell his book. “The government knew what the demands of USA. Corps Commanders would be. Cabinet meetings were held. When they fired missiles from the Arabian Sea, the USA sent a General to inform us prior to the firing of the missiles. They wanted to tell us it was a US missile attack on Afghanistan and not Indian mis-siles. A little confusion could have triggered a nuclear war with India and they understood that. Today the situation is very different. They conduct drone attacks without informing the government, which was not the case in our time,” Kasuri said.

About the CIA operatives working in Paki-stan and the incidents in which contractors like Raymond Davis were involved. “During the tenure of our government we were careful about the issuance of visas. They would ask me to issue visas and I would frankly tell them that it has to be cleared by the ministry of interior. The interior ministry scrutinized the details of all visa requests. CIA agents and people like Raymond Davis never got visas. During our tenure Pakistan’s economy growth rate was second highest in Asia. We had got Pakistan out of IMF trap. This government failed to handle the situation. Today the economy has collapsed and the government’s bargaining position is zero. The result is that now they have to give in to the American

demands,” Kasuri said. He was of the firm view that Pakistan can

survive without the American aid. “We sur-vived the recession because our economy was based on agriculture. Had it been an industrial economy we would have been hit hard and perhaps failed to recover,” he said.

China is Pakistan’s time tested friend and has always supported Pakistan. Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to rec-ognize China. Kasuri was of the view that all governments in the past have been in favour of maintaining good relations. “All govern-ments have been clear about having good relations with China. Field Marshal Ayub Khan

started the process that was carried on by ZA Bhutto, Ziaul Haq and so on. During the tenure of our government, trade volume with China increased by 400 percent.

“I visited China many times. I have the honour of being the first foreigner to visit the aerospace facility of China. We made a deal for nuclear reactors. Now you see the one at Chashma. More will soon come. Similarly we made deals for JF 17 Thunder aircraft and frig-ates. All those deals made by us are now being materialized. The continuity of good relations with China is the forte of our foreign policy,” Kasuri maintained.

“We were worried that a new genera-

Asghar Khan was the most honest and competent politician this country ever had. He, however would not go for alliance with other parties. The same is the case with Imran Khan. He wants to do everything alone, which is not possible.

INTERVIEW


H H H

tion of Chinese was coming in power. This new generation was impressed by Indian inroads in the IT sector. We initiated youth exchange programmes to ensure that the new generation remained in contact with Pakistan,” Kasuri said.

He stressed that relations with Iran were also very important. “Stability in Afghanistan is not possible unless both Iran and Pakistan are involved. The understand-ing between both the countries can bring stability in Afghanistan.

“When USA was planning to attack Iran we did not support the plan. We informed USA that it would be a mistake and destabi-lize the region.

“The gas pipeline between Iran and

Pakistan is very important. We signed an agreement in this regard. Pakistan is facing an acute energy crisis and this pipeline can help us in overcoming it.

“The pipeline is important for Iran as well. I went to Tehran and found out that President Ahmednijad was not in the capi-tal. It would have been all right had I not met him being just a foreign minister. However, I was especially taken to the city of Khurram in a special plane to meet him.

“President Ahmednijad was happy to re-ceive me. His sole concern was whether we were in favour of laying down the pipeline or not. On receiving positive response from me he was very happy,” Kasuri said.

About the changing political landscape of Pakistan, Kasuri was of the view that no single party would be able to form govern-ment by itself. “The next government will also be a coalition. I see new political alli-ances in the making,” he said.

“Asghar Khan was the most honest and competent politician this country ever had. I admire him for his political insight and acumen. He, however, had a problem. He would not go for alliance with other parties. He did not include other politicians in his party. He wanted to take a solo flight. The same is the case with Imran Khan. He wants to do everything alone, which is not possible.

If he wants to win the elections he has to have winning candidates on his side. People who are honest and are known to people can help him in win elections,” Kasuri said when asked about the chances of Imran Khan coming into power.

Kasuri is chairman of the steering com-mittee of PML (Q) faction which also incu-des Humayun Akhtar and Salim Saifullah. He is very optimist about the next general election, which in his view is open ground for all parties. Positive change is around the corner. “We should not be disheartened by the current situation. What Pakistan needs is a strong government. One year of good governance and things would be back on track. I would urge people to vote keeping in view the performance of the candidates. Think before you vote for a particular person.

“Even if it is a coalition government, if all parties unite for the national interest things cannot go wrong. You see foreign policy is reflection of your internal policy. Therefore internally we have to be strong to ensure better foreign relations,” Kasuri explained.

Pakistan is going through a difficult phase. Therefore, it is high time that politi-cians change their ways and for once unite for the national interest.

We should not be disheartened by the current situation. What

Pakistan needs is a strong government. One year of good governance and things would

be back on track.

Kasuri with the Iranian Foreign Minister

Addressing a press conference as Foreign Minister

September 18, 201116 Sunday PluS

music

irst formed in Los Angeles, California in 2009, indie rock trio Foster the People were a bunch of guys in their mid-twenties who used Foster and the People as their initial moniker. But since people often misheard the name and called it Foster the People instead, members Mark Foster, Cubbie Fink and Mark Pontius opted the name. Another reason is because the new one has an underlying meaning.

Foster, Fink and Pontius were friends first before band mates. After hanging out with them separately in Los Angeles, Foster brought them together to pursue their passion in music. “I’ve been playing music and writing songs

on my own for a while. I was happy being a solo artist for a long time, but eventually it reached a point where I was like: ‘Man, I’m ready to put a band together again!’ And so I did,” Foster explained in an interview.

They began by performing at charity shows like Toms Shoes ‘Day Without Shoes’ as they figure out the band’s direction. Their first published creation “Pumped Up the Kicks” then received significant airplay on KRQQ back in 2010. Thanks to the single, the band quickly gained attention online. The song also reached number one on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart and 13 on Billboard Hot 100.

From there, it was all downhill. The group got into Coachella Music Festival in 2011 and their first album was on the way. Speaking of their first effort which is called “Torches” and was released on May 23, 2011, Foster gushed, “It’s super versatile. I think that the one quality that distinguishes it as a body of work is just joy. It’s a joyous record. I think there’s an underlying joy in all of the songs, even if the lyrics are dark. I’m excited. You haven’t heard anything like it yet from us.”

“Torches” debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and sold 33,000 copies in the first week.

FFoster the people

shall we dance

RENDEZVOUS


By Bishakha Kunwar

Hasan D (The D stands for dance, of course!) is bringing Salsa, ballroom, jive and other dance styles previously unheard of in Pakistan, to Act One Studios in Karachi. Here he talks to Sunday Plus’ Bishakkha Kunwar about his favourite type of dance and his upcoming performance at the World Salsa Congress.

shall we dance

RENDEZVOUS


Hazan is a specialty choreographer in ‘Salsa-Jive’, also known as ‘Mod-ern Jive’, that is a fusion of British

and Latin dance forms. Hazan brought this power-house dance form to Pakistan and took Karachi by storm. A true pioneer, Hazan is an unrivaled source of inspiration for dancers all over Pakistan. A natural born performer, he possesses an unparalleled love for dancing. When he takes to the dance floor, his coor-dination, movements and rhythms create an intriguing spark of artistry. With some of the speediest footwork and tightest twirling in the business, Hazan takes audiences on a journey through the world of dancing.

Contrary to the stereotypes, Hazan took up dancing out of his profound passion for this art. Hazan’s love for dancing started during his vacation to Turkey, where he ended up enroll-ing at a ballroom school.

Hazan D. is also the founder of ActOne, the largest and oldest center for art and wellness in Pakistan. ActOne, in addition to providing a space for some of the Pakistan’s finest dance artists to develop and perform their art, it also delivers a year round programme of activities including courses, classes, performances and

events for both dedicated dance lovers and the wider public. If you’d really like to just get moving but have ever so slightly cold feet, then ActOne is a one-stop solution for you.

Talking to Sunday Plus, Hazan D. opens our eyes to a world that takes huge leaps and talks about his excitement for being invited to the World Salsa Congress and his project ActOne.

S+: First, tell us a little bit about your-self. Every dancer has a story about how they “found” dancing. What was the spark that first keyed your interest in dance?

Hazan D.: I was a regular boy, who grew up mimicking Michael Jackson. I think when I was four, my mom would sing “one way ticket” and I would entertain her friends (haha)…still in my head! Then I was always the first one to own the floor at mehndis! I didn’t know this was my calling.

After my MBA, I took a vacation off to Turkey and there I came across this ballroom school Ewet Okulu. I enrolled and that was it!

S+: How does dance uniquely communi-cate as an art?

Hazan D.: Look, I play music and I sketch,

but dance is the ultimate form of expression for me. It’s like you are the brush, the floor is the canvas and the song is the artist painting you! You forget the world around you. For those 100 seconds or so you are in another zone. With respect to Ballroom, you are having a conversation with the partner and all else is forgotten. You have the presence and nothing else has any existence… what so ever. You have a posture which has its own charisma to it.

S+: How and when did the idea of ActOne evolve? Did you know that you were going to create ActOne from the very beginning?

Hazan D.: Like I said, when I was 5 there was no dance school in this country. So when I returned and got into banking, I met this gentleman from the UK. He had been teaching Salsa Jive there and was here in Karachi. I got this one more dance enthusiast to join in and we thought, Why not? So today a three year old is no longer deprived from learning dance!

And I pretty much knew that I would open this school from the very beginning. I mean as the name suggests its ActOne, Center for

During the day, Hazan D. leads a white-collar life of an Assistant Vice President at a local bank. By night, he dons a sparkling costume and relishes in the attention from fans for his dancing. For the past six years, Hazan has been juggling the incongruous life of a professional dancer by night and an entrepreneur by day, and now he is the first and the only Pakistani to be invited to participate in World Salsa Congress that is being held at Cancun, Mexico (September 15-18, 2011).

All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts…

- William Shakespeare

RENDEZVOUS


Arts and Wellness, not merely a Ballroom School. There were two reasons. One was to survive the then talibanization in process. At that time we could not put “dance” on our name because we wanted to be under the radar. The second reason was the lack of understanding of dance by the masses here. I mean dance was given a bad name by some and that paradigm prevails till date. We wanted people to understand that it’s an ART and it is great for your body too!

S+: How does it feel to be the first

Pakistani to be invited at the World Salsa Congresses that was held from September 15-17th in Cancun Mexico? Does ActOne have other international collaborations or affiliations?

Hazan D.: Oh, I am on top of the world! This is as big as it gets. I mean, for a person like me, who started formal dancing at the age of 23, this is the massive! I participated in the three-day rigorous workshops and plus I got this opportunity to perform in front of World Champion dancers…jitters!!!

For me, this is Pakistan making a point on an international level. Informing the world that we are just as normal and expressive and fun loving as they are!

Rumors have it that I may be invited at even a bigger stage again to perform at another grand international event at the end of this year.

S+: Tell us about the dancing scene in Pakistan? Amidst much upheaval, how have you managed to survive and what does ActOne offer that makes your organization so popular?

Hazan D.: Five years ago, Ms. Barbara Plett came to us to make a documentary on ActOne. This was the time of bomb explo-sions happening almost every day. When she was done, we asked her when this will

air. She replied, “Right after the part on the Talibans.” We had to regret being a part of the documentary. Today it is much better. You have a few more studios open up and there is more dance involved in the theatre productions which is great!

ActOne started six years ago. We have run our own studio, given workshops at Alliance Francaise, Indus Valley, PACC. We have done workshops at schools such as CAS, Bayview, Neemtree School of Music. We have now crossed over 5000 students since we started. We have over 20 local and foreign instructors for various forms of Arts and Wellness such as : Hip Hop, Stepping, Break Dancing, Bollywood, Kathak, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Salsa Jive, Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Waltz, Tango, Zumba, Aerobics, Yoga, Power Yoga, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, Acting, Guitars, Piano, and Graffiti Art.

S+: What are your responsibilities and what is a typical day like for you?

Hazan D.: Well, I have a wonderful Team: Asma Ansari, Hazan Amin,and Farah Amir are managing the entire ActOne. Lorraine, Siddique and Ghulam are the studio managers. So all I do is dance and sometimes assist wherever required!

Five years ago, Ms. Barbara Plett came to us to make a documentary

on ActOne. This was the time of bomb explosions happening almost

every day. When she was done, we asked her when this will air. She

replied, “Right after the part on the Talibans.” We had to regret being a

part of the documentary. Today it is much better.


been doing aerobics for 10 years now; Ms Hina Khalid is a certified member of Yoga Alliance of the world and has

been teaching Power Yoga since eight years; Ms Barira

and Ms Maha are very talented and experienced Yoga instructors. Both have unique methods of teaching. So yes the team that we have is simply amazing. Ask our students!

S+: What is the hardest dance form for you that you want to learn but haven’t been able to?

Hazan D.: Well within the ballroom cat-egory, I would say the Paso Doble! It’s where the gentleman is a matador and the lady his cape and the entire dance is a bullfight! It is highly intense. I love it and this is one of my favorite dances. It requires a lot of practice.

S+: What are some of the other major directions in dance today?

Hazan D.: FUN! People want to learn dance and they will learn it only if they are having fun. It could be Salsa or Ballet or even Katthak. Like for example we have a group of 20 girls, 4-5 years old, dancing ballet on a Mozart tune. I (Mr.D for them) would enter the class and put on a Justin Beiber song and do a 5 minute fun dance with them and they love it.

Then with the new couples who join our Salsa Jive class, we teach them a dif-ferent step and they do it thinking they are learning Salsa. And the best part is all the other old students play along. It is like an induction process for the new comers and they laugh it off all in good faith. So there is only one direction, HAVE FUN! This is not a boot camp!

S+: Who do you think is doing inter-esting choreography today locally?

Hazan D.: Well quite a few which is so encouraging. Joshindar Chagger and 02’s works are simply amazing. I have heard great things about the sisters Breakhna and Zarmeena. We need more and more people like these.

S+: Where do you see the future of dance going in Pakistan? Are there any changes that you see happening? Tell us about your upcoming productions.

Hazan D.: The future looks bright, really! I would like to see more foreign collabora-tions. We have a Russian couple and a Contemporary Dance troupe from Norway ready to fly in for workshops and we have some major surprises lined up. There will be more “Dance for a Cause” flash mobs that ActOne is so famous for. Perhaps we will be taking it to other cities as well. There will be loads and loads of new things!!

S+: Do you have any piece of advice to the readers, students, instructors and dance enthusiasts reading this interview?

Hazan D.: When a man has to show his happiness or excitement, despite being is an African or a cowboy, a goal scorer in a soccer match, a bowler getting a wicket, a student passing the exam or anyone, any-where in any era, they ‘danced’ with joy. It’s only humans who can express through their body. There are 44 different kinds of dances in Pakistan. Please don’t mix it with vulgar-ity or negativity. It’s a freedom of joy!

ActOne has a mission to spread arts and wellness. We have state of the art facilities; largest studio anywhere in the country specifically designed to meet the needs of the dancers with the best instructors. We will continue to serve the country!

H H H

S+: How would you describe your style of dance? What is the most recent skill you have learnt related to dancing?

Hazan D.: My genre is Ballroom. The one popular here is Salsa Jive which is also known as the Modern Jive. It’s easy to learn and you can dance it to possibly any music. Recently Ms. Beatriz Franco, a Latin Ball-room expert from Latin America has joined ActOne. She has been my teacher for Tango, Rumba, Cha Cha Cha and Cuban Salsa.

S+: Describe for us the highest mo-ment of your life as a performer.

Hazan D.: Ask me this question after the 19th of September when I return from the World Salsa Congress

S+: What is the process like for someone interested in joining ActOne? Do you need to have any prior dance experiences?

Hazan D.: No one needs any level of experience to join ActOne. You can come in any time from 9am to 10 pm at our studios on Khayaban-e-Shahbaaz, behind Café Studio off Saba Avenue or Call in at 0312 700 77 77 or visit our facebook page, check out our website or email us your queries: [email protected]

S+: It is interesting that ActOne of-fers many forms of dance. What type of teams do you currently have in formation for such wide arrays?

Hazan D.: Well we have the best in-structors available in the country. Mr. Gohar Gul is a 5 Black Belt in IMAA, Sandan, TKD, black Prajit in Muay Thai; Ms Maliha is a Nike seed programme member and has

For me, this is Pakistan making a point on an international level. Informing the world that we are just as normal and expressive and fun loving as they are! Rumors have it that I may be invited at even a bigger stage again to perform at another grand international event at the end of this year

RENDEZVOUS


heritage

ulers have built minarets and towers for a variety of purposes throughout history. Minarets in history were raised to celebrate victories in wars or to commemorate a particular event. Minarets were constructed to house the graves of kings and emperors or erected as memorials

to the pets which the kings and emperors pos-sessed. There

are two land-mark minarets near the city

of Ghazni in Afghanistan. These are very elaborately decorated brick minarets or victory towers,

one belonging to Masud III and the other to Bahram Shah. Both these

Minarets are situated east of Ghazni, north of the road that leads to Kabul. These

minarets have some remains of porcelain tiles decorations on them. It is believed they

were constructed in the early 12th century as monuments to celebrate the victories of the Afghan armies who fought under the command of Mahmud of Ghazna. Mahmud of Ghaznavi was born on November 2, 971 and died on April 30,

1030. His full and actual name was Yamin ad-Dawlah ‘Abd al-Qasim Mahmud Ibn Sebüktegun. Mahmood’s huge empire stretched from the River Tigris in Iraq to River Jamuna and Ganges in India. Ghazni at that time was a centre of knowledge and culture. The Sultan also took keen interest in arts. It is believed that he had some 400 scholars and poets at his court. The famous anecdote of poet Firdausi is also related in Mahmud’s court. After his death his son, Sultan Masud, built one of the minarets. The other was erected by another successor. The Ghaznavid rule lasted for more than two centuries. The city was then razed to the ground by Alau‘l-Din Ghuri. The city flourished again, only to be destroyed once more by a son of Ghangiz Khan in 1221. But the minarets survived. Ghazni has seen a number of Anglo–Afghan wars; several times it was besieged and several times the people of this city were massacred merci-lessly. The city saw the tragic times of Soviet occupation and then the American occupation that continues to this day. Just like other cities of Afghanistan, Ghazni is an eye witness to his-tory. In pre-Islamic days, the area was inhabited by Buddhists and Hindus until the Saffarids

Ghazni’sforgotten monuments

By Shaukat Mahmood

R

tomb of mahmud ghazni

September 18, 2011 25Sunday PluS

heritage

from Zarang in the east came to spread Islam in the 9th century. Sabuktigin made it the capital of the Ghaznavid Empire in the 10th century. The Buddhist site at Ghazni is known as Tapar Sardar and consists of a stupa on a hilltop, surrounded by a row of smaller stupas. Nearby, an 18 metre long Parinirvana (reclin-ing) Buddha was excavated in the late sixties and early seventies. It is believed to have been built in the 8th Century AD as part of a monastery complex. There are

no traces of the monastery today.The famous Moroccan traveler and scholar, Ibn-i

Battuta (1304-1369), visiting Ghazni in 1333 writes:“We travelled thence to Parwan, where I met the

Amir Buruntayh. He treated me well and wrote to his representatives at Ghazna enjoining them to show me honour. We went on to the village of Charkh [Charikar], it being now summer, and from there to the town of Ghazna. This is the town of the famous warrior-Sultan Mahmud ibn Sabuktagin, one of the greatest of rulers, who made frequent raids into India and captured cities and fortresses there. His grave is in this city and is surmounted by a hospice. The greater part of the town is in ruins and nothing but a fraction of it remains, though it was once a large city. It has an exceedingly cold climate, and the inhabitants move from it in the cold season to Qandahar, a large and prosperous town three nights journey from Ghazna, but I did not visit it.”

There are not many historical monuments in Ghazni today. Only four or five monuments have survived from the past, most important being the mausoleum of Sultan Mahmud. Others include the

Tomb of Al Biruni followed by two towers about 43 m (140 ft) high and 365 m (1,200 ft) apart. Some confusion prevails about the time and the builders of these minarets. According to inscriptions, the towers were constructed by Mahmud of Ghazni and his son. “The minarets erected by Ghaznavid Sultan Mas’ud III (reign: 1099-1115) and his son and successor Bahram Shah (reign: 1117-1157) stand 600 meters apart on a plain to east of their capital Ghazni, near the Palace of Mas’ud III (b. 1114).” The easternmost minaret was built by the Mas’ud III; the other was raised by Bahram Shah, whose reign ended with the sacking of Ghazni by Alauddin of Ghur. “Both minarets — which served as models for the spectacular tower of Jam which in turn inspired the Qutb Minar at Delhi — once rose to a height over forty-four meters; their cylindrical upper halves have collapsed, leaving their lower stelliform shafts.” Now only a fraction of their original height (only the first story is still standing), the minarets are capped with modern tin roofs. Another stellated also stands close by. This is considered a memento of a victory scored by Mahmud over his enemy.

A traveler traveling to Ghazni in the year 1857 describe the tomb of Mahmud in the following words.“Shortly before we reached Ghazni we passed close by the garden of the tomb of Sultan Mahmud (Rauda-i Sultan Mahmud), in which in former days stood the celebrated mausoleum of the renowned founder of Ghazni and its race of kings. This tomb, which has always been held in the greatest venera-tion by the people, and was at one time regarded as a sacred sanctuary for criminals, was des-ecrated by the British before their final departure from the country in 1843; and its celebrated gates of sandal-wood were deported into Hindustan as a trophy of vengeance.”

Very few people know that Hadrat ‘Ali Hajveri commonly known as Hadrat Data Ganj Bakhsh was born in a small hamlet of Ghazni called Hajver in the year 400 AH=1009 AD. He arrived in Lahore 432 AH=1041 AD for preaching Islam. His death at the age of 65 is recorded in 561 AH=1165 AD.

ghazni fort & minaretsof mehsud 3 & behram shah

the Victory tower

Both minarets — which served as models for the spectacular tower of Jam which in turn inspired the Qutb Minar at Delhi — once rose to a height over forty-four meters

Colour has been a recurring theme throughout the warmer seasons and this year, Colour Blocking has made a comeback and has been one of fashion’s biggest, boldest and loudest trends. The use of bright and vibrant colours; strategically placed, contrasting and yet complimentary is what colour blocking is all about.

FASHION


By Tania Sohail

This is one trend that brings with it, a list of fashion do’s and don’ts. So for all your fashion lovers out there,

here are a few tips you need to keep in mind when fashioning an outfit making use of colour blocking:

Colour Blocking Do’s:• Wear contrasting shades for a more dramatic look.• Go for three to four colours at a time to keep things interesting.• Opt for deep jewel tones for a richer look.• To play it safe, colour block with shoes and accessories if you are too shy to pull this trend off with clothes.

Colour Blocking Don’ts:• For all those curvaceous ladies out there, wear bright colours from your waist down.• For a more eye catching look; mix patterns and colours.• Wear bright make up with this trend and

Colour BloCkingFashion’s brightest comeback:

Milli Madiha

keep your hair and face clean and minimal.• Make sure not to go overboard with acces-sories, let the outfit be the prominent feature.

We also asked some of our designers in the fashion industry to get their take on this latest trend:

Kamiar RokniColour blocking has been in for a while and most people think that colour blocking is a concept for the summer. I am

also incorporating fall version of colour block-ing and we are indulging in jewel tones like burgundy other fall palettes of colour blocking.

Nickie & NinaColour blocking is definitely in vogue in Pakistan and it is here to stay. For every season, trends come in fashion and

similarly go out of fashion; but the colour blocking trend has just started in Pakistan and will take about a year to trickle down to the masses and for them to accept it. This

trend can also be seen in our collection which follows western trends.

Milli Madiha by Madiha Ibrar Colour blocking is a very fun trend, one that people would enjoy. It will break all tradi-tional colour rules and fashion

codes and make use of unexpected combina-tions and boldly clashing colour blocks. Colour blocking has not even properly started in Paki-stan; it is a trend which will go a long way and be around for a considerable amount of time.

Vaneeza AhmedColour blocking is a trend that is heavily dependent on the kind of outfit you have in mind. It is a trend which will do well

with western trends as the outfits are shorter. In western wear, you can colour block with belts, skirts, trousers etc, but in our eastern wear colour blocking will start looking absurd after some time. How long will you see design-ers engaging in colour blocking in their shalwar

kameezes? It has limited scope in our eastern wear and so I feel that this trend is only here for a season and won’t last long. International trends are good to follow, but then we have our own trends and culture too.

AbrashemColour blocking is very much in nowadays. It will only pick up more speed with time and Pakistanis will have a lot of

fun with this trend. It is a trend for those who enjoy playing with colours and a reason for others to experiment with colours.

Sanam AghaYes! Colour blocking has been used in small amounts in certain collections, but not on a mass scale. I am planning to

use colour blocking since I follow international trends a lot especially for the western wear line.

FASHION


H H H

Nickie Nina The House of Kamiar Rokni Sanam Agha Abresham

Vaneeza Ahmed

BUSINESS


By Madiha Syedain

ExpEriEncE thE quality broadband

Now, under the dynamic leadership of the CEO wi-tribe Mustafa Peracha, the company has succeeded in

providing quality services to its customers in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Karachi. While talking to Sunday Plus Magazine, MUSTAFA PERACHA the CEO of wi-tribe shares the company’s vision, diver-sified product portfolio and scope of telecom industry in Pakistan.

Sunday Plus: There are many broad-band companies in the market. Why should people opt for wi-tribe broad-band?

Mustafa Peracha: Our focus is on customer need and internet as a productiv-ity tool has become an important part of our lives. As compared to the developed econo-mies the Internet penetration in emerging economies like Pakistan is low. The vision of our company is to provide customers with a meaningful online access.

Keeping in view, the internet needs of a clientele, wi-tribe follows a unique approach of “one size doesn’t fit all”. We have opted for a segmented approach depending upon the customers i.e parents, students etc. This approach has given us a ‘competitive edge’ and has been a secret of wi-tribe’s success

With the passage of time, the Internet business and its usage has grown rapidly in Pakistan. There are many companies which

are providing broadband internet services to their customers. wi-tribe broadband, is one of the prominent broadband companies in Pakistan. Backed by Qatar Telecom (Qtel), wi-tribe launched

its commercial services on July 1st, 2009 in Pakistan.

Mustafa Peracha CEO wi-tribe

BUSINESS


also.Sunday Plus: Which particular segment

of Pakistani society has the most access to wi-tribe?

Mustafa Peracha: Our customer wants to be connected with the world happen-ings 24/7. So there is an Internet access to every age group but the difference is that our youngsters and young people spend more time on the Internet. Keeping in view these goals, wi-tribe offers unlimited packages in the market. These packages are very economical and flexible in terms of time duration.

Sunday Plus: Have you introduced any kind of check and balance system on internet usage?

Mustafa Peracha: It depends on us how we use a particular device. What we can do is we can facilitate those organisation/legal bodies who want to provide safe and secure environment to the clientele.

This is not a part of our job. As far the ethics are concerned, we are very con-scious about them and have introduced antivirus, known as Spam for browsing purposes with Microsoft.

We have worked with Microsoft over piracy issue and launched Microsoft Win-dows, ‘Internet Explorer’ browser which was once limited to pirated, CDs only.

wi-tribe is the first broadband com-pany which has launched its own software; ‘Symantec Antivirus’ in Pakistan on monthly subscription which shields your computer from today’s evolving internet threats and updates antivirus definitions.

Sunday Plus: Tell us about the products and services you are offering?

Mustafa Peracha: Our packages vary as mentioned above, ranging from person to person. We have starters (for parents, grandparents and people who are new to the Internet), then standard packages (for students and adults who use the Internet on regular basis) and third category of endless packages (for those who are extremely active and are involved in multi media).

Our base packaging is for starters and end-less users. Then we offer need based packages services, we are the only one in the industry who have, ‘add on portfolio’ of products.

Sunday Plus: What is the future of the telecom industry in Pakistan?

Mustafa Peracha: In the last ten years, telecom industry has experienced a revolutionary growth; four to five billion dollar investment has come into the country. In the beginning, the focus was on mobile set, and now the focus is on data side. In recent years the focus has been shifted to broadband com-panies like Wi-tribe, World Call etc. This has

been a good approach but a lot has to be done in this regard. However, in Pakistan untapped demands and good technical human capital can create good job opportunities.

Also we are backed by Qatar Telecom which is the largest Middle East Operators and globally have projects in seventeen countries and it views Pakistan in a very friendly manner because of the two country relations.

As far the current scenario of Pakistan is concerned, we have to take certain steps to safeguard ourselves and expect government to support us. Load shedding issues also continues.

Sunday Plus: How do you maintain the highest industry standards for overall networking?

Mustafa Peracha: In 2010 PTA (Pakistan Telecommunications Authority) ranked wi-tribe as the fastest growing broadband operator in country.

Despite so many rains, the uptime of network has always remained high. Even in Karachi, we have kept our networking up because what we actually do is we use ele-ments like making our battery times longer or maintain the frequency of generator refuelling. These are certain tactics which keep your network up.

Sunday Plus: Some customers have made serious complaints about weak signals. How do you respond to such problems?

Mustafa Peracha: Hearsay is one thing and talking on the basis of statistics is what we actually look for. You can’t make everyone happy; first of all you have to see your overall customer base is satisfied or not.

Our technology is a wireless technology and the customer is not bothered about its being wired or wireless. He wants a service or a device which can give him an easy online access. We are trying to educate our custom-ers by pasting sticker on new devises which, states that you keep it near the window or wall.

Even in far flung areas, load shedding and excessive downloading cause distortion in networking. We increase back up timings by using battery powers, generators and refuel-ling to solve these issues.

If your friends or family is facing network-

ing issues than we would seriously get it evaluated.

Sunday Plus: Once you buy an expen-sive device it is not returnable. Why?

Mustafa Peracha: It is our nationwide policy that we give you three day time to test the device; if there is coverage issue, speed problem or you are not happy with the device, you can return it after three days with money back guarantee.

Sunday Plus: How do you respond to customers’ problems?

Mustafa Peracha: We have multiple channels; we have twenty customer care centres nationwide, helpline and experts who handle the serious issues. Even then, if there is a problem then we send a field expert on sites.

Sunday Plus: What are your future plans?

Mustafa Paracha: We are in the planning phase; basically our thinking is to see how

our investment works out. Currently, our investment is on seven hundred Wi Max sites which is in five cities and has been done from the coverage point of view. Also, we have launched a centre in Fais-alabad. Our slogan, ‘bano apni duniya’ creates a very motivational and inspira-tional message among the masses.

Sunday Plus: Have you introduced services like easy paisa for the payment of bills?

Mustafa Peracha: We are the first broadband telecom operators who have opted ‘easy paisa’ service for its customers. We have launched our own universal scratch card in our 500 retailers nationwide.

Sunday Plus: Have you made any prog-ress at the grass root level?

Mustafa Peracha: The customers who have approached us in the last two months are new to the computer regardless of the back ground which shows that socio economic profile is changing also and our efforts are being rewarded.

Sunday Plus: Tell us about the social contribution of wi-tribe?

Mustafa Peracha: We are strong believer of educating youth. Last year, we supported the award ceremony of PASHA (Pakistan Software Houses Association), a non profit organisation for the overall representation of software houses in Pakistan. We did some ac-tivities with The Citizen Foundation, Karachi and other schools.

Sunday Plus: What about the career op-portunities at Wi-Tribe?

Mustafa Peracha: This year, we selected 50 students nationwide for our internship programme and gave them six months training opportunities.

H H H


Feature

ifferent colours, designs and shapes of bangles certainly attract everyone but nobody can estimate the slog, agony and pain of workers who produced them.

In Pakistan bangles are sold in dozens. Each dozen is sold within a range of Rs15 to Rs90 according to the design and material used in its manufacturing.

Widely used bangles are prepared by artisans in various designs and in different parts of the regions of Pakistan. However, in the Sub-Continent Hyderabad, Sindh is famous for the manufacturing of beautiful bangles.

Bangles are entirely a feminine adornment. Traditionally these are significant as a symbol of delicacy and elegance that come in a large range of colours, styles and different embellishments. Women while dressing up for some particular func-tion match bangles according to their outfits in a bid to add some grace and glamour in their persona. Likewise, a bride is supposed to be deficient with-out this brightening and melodious sparkler.

Bangles have a very sentimental value. Its rhythm in the hand of a woman is mentioned in many of folk songs. Its noise (khanak) makes the hearts of men sway with love.

Bangles are made up of many materials such as plastic, glass, kundan, lac and beads. These are also manufactured of black, silver and gold metals.

It is traditionally supposed that emigrants from India belonging to bangle industry after 1947 settled in Hyderabad and started manufacturing bangles at a small scale. Later the communities, residing in the vicinity, also involved themselves in this industry to earn their livelihood and many of them adopted bangle manufacturing as a profession. Some investors attempted to install bangle industry in other regions of Pakistan but all in vain. The reason was the favourable climate of Hyderabad for this industry. A little moist weather and the precious sand bed of the Indus Rivers make Hyderabad a hub of bangle manufacturing.

Bangles manufacturing was declared an In-dustry by the government of Pakistan in 2007 but

the Back BreakingBusiness of Bangles

By Risha Omer

DA look at the industry and the lives of the people employed in it.


Feature

fatefully its workers are still no better off than before. Bangle industry has no formal set-up, however, it is estimated

that a labour force of about one million males, females, young girls and children (as young as 5) are directly or indirectly involved with this industry and work for eight to ten hours a day in their houses.

Bangle manufacturing is not an easy tack. It passes through many gradual phases of straightening, joining, decorating, and scoring. Each family that is involved in the production of bangles is responsible for only one stage and they complete bangles in

bundles. For example, a family will receive a few hundred bundles of bangles that need to be joined and they

are paid when they return the completed bundles to contractors. The family is paid Rs 2 for the

completion of each bundle that contains 305 bangles. An average size family of five mem-bers can accomplish around 40 bundles per day only.

It is worth mentioning that bangle making production usually takes place in an

unhealthy and congested environment, by mostly female labourers, as males get orders from factories

and bring raw material home. A rough survey shows that over 80 per cent of bangle makers

are women. They are required to sit along for seven to ten hours

daily in non-ventilated rooms which are causing back-bone, knees and joint problems.

Since all the process of bangle making is allied with flame and burners so the workers are also constrained not to use fans during working hours. Thus this congested atmosphere is caus-ing TB and triggers asthma and other lung ailment among these workers.

Labourers are not enough literate to find and keep other jobs in offices etc. A survey reveals that among a standard sample of 100 workers 53 per cent are illiterate, 17pc middle, 13pc ma-triculates and 6.95pc Intermediate and only 0.1pc are graduate.

Labourers are paid very low wages, against 7-10 working hours daily in a difficult and unhealthy environment. As no hard and fast rules are there to determine wages, these are fixed at the rate of per bag containing 300 bangles each. Low income is leading them to low saving and they are struck in vicious circle of poverty.

The family is paid Rs 2 for the completion of each bundle that contains 305 bangles. An average size family of five members can accomplish around 40 bundles per day only.


style

Shehla Chatoor’SparadiSeThis season Shehla has something for

everyone, conservative tang pyjama

paired long shirts, trendy silk jumpsuits,

chic draped dresses...ask Shehla and ye

shall receive! Her ‘Paradise’ collection has

us S+ editors in heaven...


style

August 07, 201120 Sunday PluS

style


August 07, 2011 20Sunday PluS

style


Outfi

ts, shoes and bags: SHEH

LA CH

ATOO

R. H

air, Makeup: SA

BS P

hotography & Styling: G

uddu & Shani M

odel: Ayyan

‘Our Lady of Alice Bhatti’ is a gripping tale of love and violence told with compelling wit, infused with the deepest, smallest personal emotions and razor sharp observations that make it a joy to read. It is a fact very few writers can convince to grasp so many undertakings without making too much to take on. Hanif’s glorious mess of story supplies the reader with its momentum, consistently entertaining as the stories unfold.

OFF THE SHELF

September 18, 201138 SuNday PluS

The beginning introduces Alice being interviewed by a panel for a junior nurse position. There, she is bom-

barded with questions that make her feel as dejected as ‘someone who has just flunked a job interview.’

Teddy Butt is a “crime-scene cleaner, cheer leader, gun-cleaner, doorstopper, replacement court witness, proxy prisoner, fourth card player” who falls in love with Alice, whom he meets in Charya Ward- The Centre of Mental and Psychological Diseases, surrounded by twelve patients. He rescued her carrying in his arms and thinking he could ‘carry her and walk the earth.’

Noor, an ex-inmate of Alice in Borstal and ward boy, is struggling with his mother’s incurable disease and his perception of love theories. Then there is Sister Hina Alvi, mar-ried thrice and there to guide and supervise Alice with the experience that she flaunts with a paan tucked in her mouth. Among these are more characters drawn with an ef-fortless detailing that will make you grimace

Title: Our Lady of Alice BhattiAuthor: Mohammed HanifPublisher: Random House, IndiaPages: 256, Price: Rs. 595

Great articulation, good read

By Sadaf Pervez

OFF THE SHELF


H H H

and smile, without even realising it.The detailing of every single character

presented by Hanif makes it evident that each one of them is important for him. They are self-contained and are survivors, who we know will cope with the coming circum-stances and this is how life is supposed to be lived. Alice Bhatti, the protagonist, is determined to draw a line to protect herself from society’s exploitation and scrutiny.

This love story is set in dark descriptions of small, silent, everyday suffering. Tangents depict gory images of Karachi that make you feel insignificance: everyone in the city has a weapon of some sort and Teddy Butt out of frustration fires his Mauser and ‘the city stops moving for three days.’

From time to time, to develop the frac-tures in the tale, many aspects of Pakistani social and economic conditions are illumi-nated with a wry sense of humour: Inspector Malangi gets robbed at a traffic signal by a young boy, leaving the inspector to look helplessly ‘at the lone traffic policeman

standing on the roadside, cooling himself under the shade of the tree.’

Hanif’s writings are always a rollercoast-er ride on which you keep looking forward to the next exciting leap and dip and sudden turn. Mohammad Hanif’s wonderful new novel is very different from his first, which shot him to global fame, but it’s every bit as good and proves that the author richly deserves all the accolades that have been heaped upon him. It is a recommended read to engage in a great piece of articulation.

She avoids eye contact, she looks slightly over people’s heads as if looking out for somebody who might come into view any moment. She doesn’t want to think that she is alone and nobody is coming for her. She sidesteps even when she sees a boy half her age walking toward her, she walks around little puddles when she can easily leap over them, she thinks any act that involves stretching her legs might send the wrong signal. After all, this is not the kind of thing where you can leave your actions to subjective interpretations. She never eats in public. Putting something in your mouth is surely an invitation for someone to shove something horrible down your throat. If you show your hunger, you are obviously asking for something.

I was standing outside the hospital, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. It was a full Rajab moon. Then I looked up at the balcony of Ortho Ward and saw you empty a garbage bin. I saw your face for a moment and then you disappeared. Then I looked up again and saw that the moon had disappeared too. I rubbed my eyes, I shut them, I opened them again. I stood and kept looking for forty-five minutes. People gathered around me. I held them by their throats and kept asking them, where has the moon gone? And they said, what moon? We have seen no moon. Did you just escape from Charya Ward? And then I knew that I can’t live without you.”

Mohammed Hanif was born in Okara, Pakistan, in 1965. He graduated from Pakistan Air Force Academy as Pilot Officer, but subsequently left to pursue a career in journal-ism. He has written plays for the stage and BBC radio, and his film The Long Night has been shown at film festivals around the world. He is a graduate of UEA’s creative writing programme. He was the head of the BBC’s Urdu Service and now lives in Karachi. Moham-mad Hanif is the author of the highly acclaimed A Case of Exploding Mangoes, which was long-listed for the Booker Prize, short-listed for the Guardian First Book Award, and was the winner of the Commonwealth First Book Award.

Author’s Profile

- Excerpt from the book

- Excerpt from the book

Hanif’s writings are always a rollercoaster ride on which you keep looking forward to the next exciting leap and dip and sudden turn.


culinary delights

For seafood lovers, marinated fried fish is a delight during winter season especially in Pakistan.In South Asian cuisine, fish is generally preferred with spicy flavours. Here we present to you a typi-cal Pakistani spicy fried fish recipe.

ingredients• 1 kg fish (clean, wash and cut into medium sized fillets/chunks)• bread crumbs for coating• oil for frying

Batter:• 1/2 cup gramflour(Besan)

• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste• 1 tsp red Chilli powder

• 1 tsp crushed red chillies• 1 tbsp crushed whole coriander

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds• 1/2 tsp carom seeds(Ajwain)

• 2 tbsp white vinegar• salt to taste

• water as required

MethOd:• Combine all ingredients for the batter and enough water to make

a thick paste.• Marinate fish pieces in the above ingredients and leave in fridge for at

least 30 mins.• Now lightly coat with bread crumbs and set aside for 15 minutes.

• Deep fry the fish in in hot oil until golden brown.• Drain and sprinkle some lemon juice on top of the fish with Chaat Masala.

• Serve hot with salad and lemon wedges.

PreParatiOn tiMe :40 Mins | serves 4 -5 PersOns

DesifrieDfish


culinary delights

As simple as it is satisfying, fish and chips is classic English street food. The first chip shop opened in London in the mid-19th century, and by the 1930s the shops were located in towns all over England. Fish and chips are classically served in a rolled up newspaper with a sprinkling of salt and a shake or two of malt vinegar.

ingredients• Flour -1 1/4 cups• Salt - 1 teaspoon• Egg yolk - 1• Oil -- 1 tablespoon• Baking potatoes, peeled, cut 1/2-inch

thick slices and soaked in cold water -- 4• Oil -- for deep frying• Fish (any firm white fish), cut into

serving size pieces -- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds• Salt and pepper -- to taste• Egg white, beaten until it forms stiff

peaks -- 1• Flour -- 1 cup

MethOd1. Sift the 1 1/4 cups flour and 1 tea-

spoon salt together into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the beer, egg yolk

and 1 tablespoon oil. Beat well with a whisk until smooth, and then set aside to rest for about 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven to 200°F and heat oil in a fryer or deep pot to 365-375°F. Drain the potatoes and pat dry. Add potatoes to the hot oil in batches, dropping in one at a time to keep them from sticking together. Fry until well browned, then drain and transfer to a paper towel-lined pan in the oven to keep them warm. Let the oil return to the proper temperature between batches.

3. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the prepared batter with a spatula. Place the 1 cup flour into a large bowl. Dip the fillets into the flour, coating them on all sides and shaking off the excess. Set aside on a plate or platter.

4. Working in batches, dip the floured fish fillets into the batter and then gently drop into the hot oil. Fry until browned on all sides. Remove from the oil and hold in the preheated oven while you fry the remaining fillets.

5. Serve the fish and chips on tabloid newspapers with malt vinegar, tartar sauce, a sprinkling of salt and a nice English ale.

variatiOns• Cod, sole and hake are the fish most

commonly used to make fish and chips, but any firm, white-fleshed fish will do.

TARTAR SAUCE (WITH RELISH)Tartar sauce is a thick, white, cold sauce,

based on mayonnaise, which is typically served with deep-fried fish or seafood.The sauce was invented by the French, who named the condiment “sauce tartare”, however it was actually named for the Tatar people, who settled and ruled in Mongolia and parts of Eastern Europe. Tartar sauce can be made in minutes, although it should be stored in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

ingredients• 1 cup of mayonnaise• 2 tbsp of lemon juice• 1 tbsp of sweet pickle or dill relish• 1 tbsp of minced onion• salt and pepper to season

MethOd• Combine the mayonnaise, relish and

minced onion in a small mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly to mix the flavours well.

• Add the lemon juice.• Season with the salt and pepper and

stir well.• Cover the bowl with cling film and

place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.

• Serve with deep-fried fish, seafood or fish cakes.

english batterfrieD fish

PreParatiOn tiMe:1 hOur | serves 4-5 PersOns

5

ISLAMABAD:

‘WoW’ shopping experience

society

Shahmeen and Zahra Raza

Momeena, Sana & AmaanZavaiiya, Abida, Nadia & Marium

Azel owners Shujja and Ali Ozgen

Nadia Kamal & Fatima

Atle Hetland, Mickey and RoseMahvish & Shazak Malik21

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The Team @ Ayzel MAISON DE COUTURE, Mohammed Ali Ozgen and M. Shujauddin hosted a glamorous red carpet launch event. The fantastic assortment of clothes and a stylish ambiance is likely to induce adrenaline rush with serious clothes cravings. A ‘wow’ shopping experience of the apparel collection of fabulous local and national designers!

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Sunday PluSSeptember 18, 2011 43

98 Sarah, Haroon & AminaSamreen & SaniaMahnoor, Ramsha & Rabiya Tania & Farzana

Wahzish, Anum, Mahnum & Xain The owners with Tariq, Faiza Amin and models

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society

Ciro’s Pomodoro, the Italian restaurant chain, hosted a Masquerade ball for their valued members. The night was rocking with the performance of DJ Shahrukh. Event, PR & Media was managed by VOX.

Michelle,Hassaan & Ahmed Syes Bilal Khan & Raza Ahmer & Imtisal Ali Sher

Affan, Shahrukh & Hussna Khan

LAHORE;

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THE SECRET SOCIETY1

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2

6

7

Ali butt Saim Tamoor & Bilal

Mishka with friends

3

Saira Omer 9

September 18, 2011

society

Sunday PluS 45

89

10

11

12 13

98 Momina Sibtain Yasmeen OmarSaad A Khan, Mr Asad Rahman, Samina Khan Abdullah Omar

Sadia Khawaja & Sehr Durrani Saad A Khan With Guests Rom The Norwegian Embassy

10 11

12 13

September 18, 2011


society

ampers Premium Care continues with its fun filled event in Lahore after en-gaging moms and babies in Karachi and Islamabad with tons of fun activities. The three- day Baby Olympics event was recently held at the Mall of Lahore where athletic toddlers participated in crawling races, push ball, running games and lots more. The little champions were rewarded with certificates and gifts while standing at the victory pedestal with their proud parents.

The parents were delighted when they saw their babies crawl, run, walk or jump their way to victory at the mall. Sharing her thoughts, a mother com-mented, “Pampers Premium Care has always been instrumental in helping parents provide the best for their baby. Be it a good night’s sleep, great fit or complete comfort, care and happiness.”

Talking to mothers at the event, Hira Modan, Brand Representative for Pampers said, “We at Pampers have learnt a great deal from babies, the fact that babies are the best athletes in the world covering miles on hands and knees. Pampers Premium Care salutes their spirit by providing means to help ensure that playtime never ends. With the new Pampers Premium Care’s stretchy sides, babies can now play and move easily and mothers can also take a sigh of relief without the worry of leaks.”

The Pampers Baby Olympics is a national initiative which started from Karachi, continued to Islamabad and concluded in Lahore.

BaBy Olympicsin LahoreP

5

ISLAMABAD:

society

Aneela Arooj, Nuzhat Tabassum, Asma Ravji & Mr Kamran Sadiq

Tahiray ShiraziMr Nauman Durrani

Mohmammad Bin Naveed

Taghreed & WasimullahSehr Durrani

Saad A Khan & Begum Inam Ul Haq21

76

3

4

Sunday PluSSeptember 18, 2011 47

6

7

1

3

4

5

2

It’s good to buy Pakistani and it’s even better if your purchases help a good cause and are cheap & stylish. Amazing that anyone could do all this in one package and yet the good people at SABAH Pakistan have managed to do just that. Making trendy and traditional accessories, home goods and clothes they combine fun stuff with a social conscience. SABAH recently held an exhibition of its wide product range at the Sangi outlet in Islamabad.

cheap & stylish

society

September 18, 2011 48 Sunday PluS

98 Momina Sibtain Yasmeen OmarSaad A Khan, Mr Asad Rahman, Samina Khan Abdullah Omar

Sadia Khawaja & Sehr Durrani Saad A Khan With Guests Rom The Norwegian Embassy

10 11

12 13

8

10 11 12

13

9

1

Designer Shamaeel’s recently exhibited his new creations at the Fashion Pakistan Lounge.

LAHORE:

3

5

6

Sunday PluSAugust 21, 2011 49

4

Mrs. Shazia Tanveer Shamaeel Ansari & Mrs Fakhira1 2 Maha with friend3 4Zulekha Zareen Rehman 5 Honey Waqar 6

2

shamaeel’s show

society

Television has become the new religion for almost everyone. This box, now found in many distinct shapes and sizes, has subliminally forced human consciousness to think, eat and act as it says. Taking television to be an object would be outrageous. Behind this sleek screen is the highly contagious mischief that none of us can seem to get enough off.

Feature

September 18, 201150 SuNday PluS

What tV giVeth, we taketh?

By Navirah Zafar

Feature


The moment one switches on the tube, waves of images are bombarded at the eyes of TV viewers who seem unaware of the effects they create.

Media Moguls, at times, show a lack of sensibility when they package ideas for the viewing audience. With the arrival of cable stations, Pakistani audience has an array of networks to choose from; ranging from Indian, US, British and last, but not least, Pakistani channels. Apart from this, there also come pirated CD channels which add to the din.

TV channels like Star World, MNET, MM1, MM2, MNET Action, E! (Entertainment), MTV, Channel V and other channels of such league seem to make rape, violence, drugs, glamour, smoking, vandalism and rebel-lion a part of the normal thinking process. It is a known fact that television has become a source of education for almost everyone who owns a TV set. Now an individual’s frame of reference is not only judged by what he/she learns from the family, friends and school but television as well.

When asked about ratings or parental check, people often come up with lame excuses. Foreign channels have different time streams; a show airing in America at night is telecast in the early hours of the day in Pakistan because of the time zone difference. So who is supposed to take care of the unconscious images created in the minds of Pakistani audience by glamorous and violent images projected through media? By ‘Pakistani audience’ I mean children, teenagers, housewives and uneducated housekeepers; just to name a few.

The operation of television channels and cable operators is regulated by government authorities, who set a basic platform for channels and cable stations to conduct their working in a legalised manner. In Asia, many countries have strict rules and regulations which are stringently followed by the concerned parties. The Supreme Court of India is particular about the laws and policies laid down regarding public and private segments of Indian broadcast.

In Pakistan, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has the authority to make new regulations by itself. It also has the authority to seize broadcast/ distribution equipment or to seal premises that are operating “illegally.”

PEMRA, on various occasions, has blocked the transmission of many news channels for not supporting the government’s standpoint. This regulatory authority, responsible to control the country’s audio-visual industry, wakes up mostly when there is a dire need to rectify news channels as per the government’s orders. Apart from that, what comes on television has no check and balance. No programme in the history of Pakistani television industry has ever been correctly rated. USA categorically rates all its TV programmes; starting from all children(TV Y), directed to old children(TV Y7),general audience(TV G) and parental guidance (TV PG). Furthermore there are no time slots for sitcoms, music shows, game shows, comedy, reality TV and hardcore dramas.

The government of Pakistan appears to act as a pup-peteer that uses PEMRA as a prop, controlling whenever and whatever they feel fit. When PTV Prime started

going on air in England, Sky News warned the authorities regarding a promo in which a slap was telecast. A warn-ing to shut down the channel was given in case the scene is not removed from the promo. It is noteworthy that Sky News felt a ‘slap’ being shown on television inappropri-ate for naive minds and our regulatory authorities appear blind and deaf to all that is being shown on our TV sets day and night.

Highlighted in Shrish Nadka’s article, Dismay Greeted New India Broadcast Bill (2006), Ashok Mansukhani, Director Hinduja Group and President of the MSO ( Multi System Operators) Alliance said, “The term ‘broadcast-ing’ is outdated and, perhaps, we need to take a cue from Pakistan which already has an electronic media regulatory authority, PEMRA”. Lets hope it’s just the cue regarding the name that is taken into consideration, not the working of the authority.

In order to control this demon, there are certain rules and regulations on which organisations work. In America, broadcast television is regulated by the Federal Com-munications Commission (FCC). Licenses are awarded to local stations which specify commitment to public and educational programming. FCC also prohibits the airing of ‘indecent’ material on air between 6 am and 10 pm. Although legal broadcast stations can air anything they want late at night and cable television can show anything round the clock. Nudity and profanity is not seen on American television other than late nights.

Freedom of expression is appreciated all over but the ethics of working should remain intact. Promoting violence and profanity on prime time is not entertainment but mere advertising and money making. PEMRA, acting as the sole authority controlling Pakistani media, has the manpower and resources to implement or shutdown channels and cable stations. It’s time they turn their attention to prime time television. Starting off with program rating which would control the content being viewed, allotting appropriate time slots to program-mess and having guidelines for parents to control on air programmes can yield fruitful results.

H H H

When PTV Prime started going on air in England, Sky News warned the authorities regarding a promo in which a slap was telecast. A warning to shut down the channel was given in case the scene is not removed from the promo. It is noteworthy that Sky News felt a ‘slap’ being shown on television inappropriate for naive minds and our regulatory authorities appear blind and deaf to all that is being shown on our TV sets day and night.


hollywood


hollywood

In Contagion, Matt

Damon is reuniting

with one of his

favorite directors,

Steven Soderbergh

(Oceans 11, The

Informant), in an all-

star cast that harks

of Soderbergh’s

Oscar-winning

Traffic. Damon

and his best bud

Ben Affleck shot to

stardom famously

with Good Will

Hunting and Damon

has since eclipsed

his fellow Bostonian

in the compiling

of stellar roles

department. From

the Bourne series

to The Departed to

the Ocean 11 series,

Damon does it like no

other. Damon talks

about Contagion,

why he has a new

buzz cut and where

he was on 9/11 in

light of the attack’s

tenth anniversary.


hollywood

Q: Tell us how you, Steven and The Informant screenwriter Scott Z. Burns connected again on Contagion?

Matt damon: We were getting ready to do something else - another project we're still going to do -- and Steven called and said I've got this other thing and it's… we really got to make it now because it's really timely. He said I think it's the best thing Scott's written, which is saying quite a bit. Obviously I think a lot of Scott. So he sent it over to me with a note that said read this and then wash your hands [laughs]. I just read that and I really wanted to be in this movie. It's just a terrific, riveting, really fast read and really exciting and really horrifying -- but managed to be kind of touching too.

Q: How difficult was it to wrap your head around this character in this situa-tion that seems too many a million miles

away?Matt damon: It was kind of easy to

relate to, it was just on the page. Working with Steven’s very different than working with anybody else. To give you an example of a day: We’d go and we’d shoot. We’d talk about what we were going to do. We’d figure it out and we’d execute the plan. And then we’d go back to the hotel and they’d deliver the footage. We’d just sit there and talk while Steven put on his headphones, opened up his laptop and kind of sat in the corner for 45 minutes or an hour. Then at the end he’d take his headphones off and turn the computer around and he’d show us what we shot that day. Cut. So, when you’re working that way it’s kind of like making a movie in your backyard with friends. The body is kind of out on the operating table and wide open. You just kind of talk about, “All

right, what else do we need?” It’s very different from going off on my own, doing three months of research and showing up. It feels more like the hocus pocus is taken out of the experience.

One of my favorite scenes we did was the scene where I find out that my wife is dead very early on in the movie. I went to Steven and said, “I don’t know what to do. How do you do this scene? Its five minutes into the movie. We’re not invested in me or her. You can’t have this big scene. What do I do?” And Steven goes, “The slump?” Everyone knows the slump [demonstrates a hunched over depressed look]. I said, “I don’t know. What do you do?” You’ve got to have some shorthand. You can’t dwell on this thing. We’re five minutes into the movie. We had a guy there who’d done this a lot and we talked to him, this doctor who


hollywood

delivered the news. We asked for certain trends. And he said, “Sometimes people fall apart. But there is this other reaction that we get just as much.” I said, “What is it?” He said, “It depends on what kind of death it is. Is it the kind of death where you’re not expecting someone to be dead?” We said, “Right, exactly.” He said, “Oh, well, what you get a lot is absolute shock. It’s just too much.” So they have this specific way they put it, and Scott had written it in and it was close. But, he had written words like, “She passed away.” And this guy said, “No, no, no. She did die. You have to be completely specific and look at the person. You have the social worker with you.” There’s a whole script that they go on and they expect you to not even get it. They expect you to go, “OK, can I go talk to her?” Be-cause that’s the reaction that they have. Working with these guys, I get up in the morning and I’m freaking out about how the hell I’m going to do this scene and I end up going to work and getting this scene that’s really interesting and I’ve never seen it done that way. I totally believe that’s the way. And these doctors that really do it say that’s actually the way it goes down a lot of the time. Great long-winded answer to a short question [laughs].

Q: Are you an overprotective person when it comes to real life Contagion?

Matt damon: In terms of an outbreak like this? With kids I'm probably more protective than I've ever been now that I have children. I try not to be. I mean my wife's nickname for me is Red Alert. [Laughs] My tendencies would be a little overprotective without trying to be a helicopter parent.

Q: So do you like the buzz cut?Matt damon: Well, it’s for a movie. I’m doing a

movie with Neill Blomkamp, who directed District 9. This is what the character looks like. I did shave my head once when I did The Brothers Grimm. I had a wig and it was easier to get the wig on rather than lacquering my hair down, so I just shaved my head and walked around in my regular life like this. I love it. It’s great in the summertime, real easy getting out of the shower [laughs].

Q: Do you have a favorite type of film genre?Matt damon: If the director's good and the script

is good it all comes pretty naturally. And if those things aren't in place, it's impossible no matter what the role is.

Q: In light of the anniversary of 9/11, do you have any thoughts about that day you could share with our readers?

Matt damon: I lived in lower Manhattan at the time. I just remember walking out of my apartment and seeing it and then going back in and watching CNN because I was so hungry for information, trying to figure out what was going on. I remember being glued to my television despite the fact that it was happening right outside my door.

Dengue virus is endemic in Pakistan, and occurs throughout the year, but with peaks during the post-monsoon season. Dengue virus remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality;

there is scarcity of data looking at the overall trend of dengue infection in Pakistan.

HEALTH


H H H

Dengue fever, also known as break-bone fever, is an infectious tropical disease caused by the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles. In a small proportion of cases the dis-ease develops into the life-threat-ening dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and blood plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.

KEY FACTS• Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that causes a severe flu-like illness, and sometimes a potentially lethal complication called dengue haemorrhagic fever. • Global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically in recent decades.• About two fifths of the world’s population are now at risk and • Dengue is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.• Dengue haemorrhagic fever is

a leading cause of serious illness and death among children in some Asian countries. • There is no specific treatment for dengue, but appropriate medi-cal care frequently saves the lives of patients with the more serious dengue haemorrhagic fever. • The only way to prevent dengue virus transmission is to combat the disease-carrying mosquitoes. TRANSMISSIONAedes aegypti, the transmitter of the disease, is a day-biting mos-quito which lays eggs in clear and stagnant water found in flower vases, cans, rain barrels, old rubber tires, etc. The adult mosquitoes rest in dark places of the house.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS• Sudden onset of high fever which may last 2 to 7 days.• Joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes.• Weakness• Skin rashes - maculopapular rash or red tiny spots on the skin called petechiae• Nose bleeding when fever starts to subside

• Abdominal pain• Vomiting of coffee-colored matter• Dark-colored stools

PREVENTION AND CONTROL• Cover water drums and water pails at all times to prevent mos-quitoes from breeding.• Replace water in flower vases once a week.• Clean all water containers once a week. Scrub the sides well to remove eggs of mosquitoes stick-ing to the sides.• Clean gutters of leaves and debris so that rain water will not collect as breeding places of mosquitoes.• Old tires used as roof support should be punctured or cut to avoid accumulation of water.• Collect and dispose all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles and other items that can collect and hold water.

IMMUNIZATIONThere is no vaccine to protect against dengue. Although prog-ress is underway, developing a vaccine against the disease - in

either its mild or severe form - is challenging. • With four closely related viruses that can cause the disease, the vaccine must immunize against all four types to be effective. • There is limited understanding of how the disease typically be-haves and how the virus interacts with the immune system. • There is a lack of laboratory animal models available to test immune responses to potential vaccines.

DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER


movie

all is off to a great start with Steven Soderbergh‘s Contagion kicking off the September releases. With an all-star cast – including Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet and Jude Law among others – the film follows a new disease from Day 2 on as it infects the population, and scientists and doctors attempt to control and cure it. Soderbergh deftly avoids most of the genre’s pitfalls by keeping the film in a “you are there” approach that grounds the material, and will have most audiences reaching for the Purell when the film ends.

THe PLoT:

Beth Emhoff (Paltrow) returns to Min-nesota from a trip abroad with what appears to be a slight cold, though possibly just jet lag. The next day she’s having seizures and is hospitalized. It’s a huge shock to her husband Mitch (Da-mon), especially when she dies shortly thereafter. He’s immune, but his son and daughter are not. As the disease spreads the CDC reacts by sending in Dr. Erin Mears (Winslet) to investigate Beth’s death and they try to contain the outbreak, but between Beth’s stop in Chicago (to visit an old lover) to the others in Hong Kong who were around

her, the disease quickly goes global. The government tries to both solve it – with the lead doctor being Dr. Ally Hextall (Ehle) – and contain it. But in the 21st century word can’t be contained, especially when people like Alan Krum-wiede (Jude Law) write about it on the internet and hope to profit from it.THe GooD:

Ensemble: One of the things that old school filmmakers knew about using a lot of stars in their films was that having familiar faces grounds you immediately in which location you’re at, regardless of where the last scene took place. Marion

RATING: 8.5/10

F“Contagiously good”

THE PLAYERS:

director: Steven Soder Bergh

writerScott Z. Burns

cinematography byPeter Andrews (aka Steven Soderbergh)

actorsMatt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Jude Law

music byCliff Martinez


movie

at the premiere

Carl Bernstein

Giulia Bevilacqua Olivia Munn Jennifer Ehle Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Steven Soderbergh

Eli Roth Vinicio MarchioniShengyi Huang Gwyneth Paltrow

Cotillard’s character is in Asia, Jude Law’s in San Fransisco, Matt Damon’s in Minnesota – the film darts around the globe, but because the plot follows the disease you never feel lost, and all of the actors get a moment to shine. With all the heavy hitters in the cast, it’s surprising that Jennifer Ehle walks away with the movie as one of the key doctors trying to figure out a cure. Though Ehle’s been acting for a while now, this is that role. She’s going to be in a lot more shortly.

Follow the Disease: Though the film does de-velop its characters well enough, the film never tries to drum up too much added melodrama for the situation. There is some melodrama – especially with Damon’s Emhoff character, who has a family that isn’t safe and as the disease progresses has to worry about his daughter not only staying safe, but also the fact that she’s a tween girl who wants to live a normal life. That works – it humanizes the consequences – but often these films pile incident on incident (often there’s a couple about to get divorced, a love triangle, etc.). As such the film work like gangbusters because it functions more as a procedural.

Getting Under Your Skin: The film opens with a sequence where it shows people touching things, be it public locations, their faces, or a glass handed to them. Soderbergh does a bril-liant job of setting the viewer on edge on how easy we treat most of the world, and how often

people expose themselves to the possibility of germs. There’s just enough of that to make anyone freaked out.THe BAD:

Cleanliness: Though never as terrible as Traffic at its worst, there are some plot points that either go nowhere (the Cotillard section feels like a throwaway, though that’s the point), or goes for the hammer of obviousness. This may be a byproduct of this sort of storytelling, and for the most part the film does a good job of avoiding being cloying. Thankfully such intrusions are kept to a minimum, but they’re also the things that stick out later as why the film isn’t a mas-terpiece. But, hey, settling for being a really good film is good enough.oveRALL:

This is Soderbergh at his best; Contagion is fascinating to watch. Though some might prefer a more horrific “what if” situation, the film com-municates great ideas about how our society functions, and where it breaks down. And more than any recent picture, Contagion really cap-tures the internet era (arguably the film is more about that than the disease), where people are texting their reactions to tragedy, and someone leaking word about a possible shutdown or blockade goes as viral as the virus itself.

SPACE TALKS

By Hamza Tarar

Tone on Tone Colour

Interior designer to international celebrities like singing sensation Gloria Estefan; and basketball superstar, Michael Jordon, this Global Pakistani, based in Miami, USA has worked with the best and collaborated with the likes of Alex Turco and Romero Britto, both contemporary international icons in the world of art and design. Now catch his blog exclusively for The Nation’s Sunday Plus, as he shares the best trends, styles, and tips on how to electrify your living spaces and your guests with a “personality-plus” home.


SPACE TALKS

Have you ever been in a space where only 1 or 2 colours were used but it seemed as if there were 20? Tone on tone colouring or layering, is a decorative technique that takes a single or a few colours and uses different saturation of that colour(s) throughout the space. The result is a room that can be dramatically transformed just by lightening or darkening of that colour. If you are happy with the colour of your space, but would like to give it more definition and style, look at these 10 ways to change your space with tone on tone colour.

1.) Layer your wall colouring: Tone on tone colouring works well with any colour, and thus is the magic! For a dramatic look in your space use a dark wall colour as an accent colour, and then ask your paint supplier to bring that tone 2 – 3 shades lighter. For a subdued look only use two shades, for more drama, use more shades on different walls – all within the same colour.

2.) Pull inspiration from art: If you have a piece of art that you love, but don’t know how to decorate around it, choose your one favorite colour and use tone on tone variations throughout the room. This will pre-vent making the room too busy for the eye, and will blend beautifully with your art work.

3.)Mix and match patterns: A new trend in décor is mixing and matching materials and patterns, but keeping it all within the same colour family. In a living room use one colour for the walls, and then lighten the same colour in throw pillows, accent rugs, and adjacent spaces. The result will be a pulled together look.

4.) Neutral room, one colour décor: If you prefer a crisp neutral palette in your space, keep your furnishings neutral and add a pop of colour in your décor. A turquoise vase, or a yellow table setting will keep the room neutral.

5.) Bring colour into door and windows: From window and door frames to window treatments – don’t forget tone on tone colour isn’t just for walls and furnishings. The more variety you use throughout your space, the more warm and personalized it will become.

6.) Window treatments can match the walls: If you have very high ceilings and want to make the space feel more intimate, match your wall treatment colour to the walls. Choose to use a lighter or darker tone for either the wall or to complement each other. Use this same colour

throughout the room to add dimension.

7.) Pair colour tone with black or white: Tone on tone colour works beauti-fully with black and white too. Since these are neutrals they will seamlessly meld together with little effort. Use black or white in fabrics, and trim colours to accent beautifully your tone on tone colour palette.

8.) Exterior paint colours work too: The outside of your home can use tone on tone colour palette for field colour, trim, shut-ters, gutter and downspouts. For contrast use dark and very light tones for the accent exterior pieces. Tone on tone colour works well in neighborhoods with strict covenants and restrictions about paint colour!

9.) Flooring can use tone on tone colours: For open space floor plans you can choose to break up the spaces with different colour flooring. So the spaces flows from one space to another choose lighter and darker tones of the same colour. Wood and concrete flooring work best for this colour concept.

10.) Tone on tone in any room: Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living spac-es are the most common spaces to use tone on tone colour palettes. In fact the colour concept can be used throughout your home and gender neutral shared offices and nurseries especially work well with tone on tone colouring.Change your space by using tone on tone colours; you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Consider bringing samples home of the colours from the paint store before transforming your entire space. Once you’ve chosen the paint colours, take these to your local fabric store to bring in patterns to your living spaces. What a difference one colour can make!Try some of these tips and let us know how it turned out… Don’t forget you can always e-mail us at [email protected] or visit casahamza on facebook for any inquiries. Until next time!! Be safe, use mospel and stay away from dengue!


Zodiac

Aries The Ram

(21 March to 19

april)

An emphasis on relationships, social in

teraction,

close associates, business partnerships or spouses

may create a dilemma till the 20th. A brief financial

scare may also some to

the fo

re till th

e 20th as

well. Your ru

ler, Mars will c

hange signs on the 19th,

indicating a beneficial placement and ease of

events. By th

e 23rd, the Sun will a

lso enter your

social sector reinforcing new tie

s or strengthening

old alliances. Financial dealings will

be secure

on the 17th and 18th morning till 1 pm despite

Venus-Uranus opposition til

l the 20th. Contacts,

correspondence, contracts, tra

vel and dealing

with siblings, relatives or neighbors will t

ake center

stage from th

e 18th-20th. Family m

atters will b

e

sentimental in

nature on the 22nd as compared

to the 21st. Risk, speculation and stocks will be

successful on the 24th. Creativity,

romance, sports

and children are highlighted on the 23rd- 24th.

Health will im

prove after th

e 22nd.

TAurusThe bull

(20april – 20 May)

Your ruler, Venus in opposition to the planet of

the unexpected, Uranus, will m

ake you fixated on

someone or something that m

ay not be suitable

for you. Tension, strain, accidents and unpredictable

events may wreck your plans till the 20th. M

ars en-

tering your family sector on the 19th will m

ake you

independent and sturdy; bring fo

rth fa

mily com-

mitments, even a legacy fro

m your parents. Avoid

changes at work or w

ith regards to your employees

till the 20th. Despite challenging circumstances,

your personal power will b

e at its peak on th

e 17th

and 18th. Finances will b

e auspicious on the 18

th

afternoon and th

e19th. However, fi

nancial deal-

ing must n

ot be underta

ken on the 20th. Discus-

sions, mental diversions, re

ading, writin

g, traveling,

change and communication with brothers and

sisters are highlighted on the 21st -

22nd. Family,

parents, home and domestic chores are indicated

on the 23rd-24th. Health

will be delicate afte

r the

19th. Accidents, unexpected infections or fevers

may occur from the 15th-20th.

CAnCer

The cRab

(21 June – 22 July)

The Moon will be in its last quarter on the

20th, representing a period of reflection

and re-evaluation. You will be inclined to

question your own motives. Thus you must

complete unfinished tasks. After the 19th,

you will have splendid earning capacity.

There will be financial success in a business

involving iron tools, machinery, electronic

equipment, artillery, police, army, comput-

ers, radio, airplanes, trains, surgery, etc. It

may also indicate success in competition or

you may thrive on opposition. Professional

challenges will be thoroughly enjoyed. Al-

though, the money will flow in easily, you

may become outrageously extravagant or

merely reckless in financial ventures. The

Sun moving into Libra on the 23rd will fur-

ther improve financial concerns. Family

matters may experience drastic changes

till the 20th. Accidents or mishaps at home

may occur till the 20th. Friendships may

also suffer till the 20th. Leo 2011

The lion

(23 July – 22 august)

On the 19th, Mars entering your sign will im-

prove your personal appearance, boost your

self-confidence, enhance your will-power

and strengthen your constitution. From

the 19th till the 10th of November, travel

opportunities, spiritual journeys, foreign

interaction, higher education, mentorship

and luck will favor you. Stumbling blocks

related to communications, contracts, cor-

respondence, travels or dealing with rela-

tives and siblings may be experienced till

the 20th. Honors, favors from superiors,

public appointments and pleasant career

experiences are likely on the 17th till the

18th afternoon. Attending social functions,

entertaining friends, organizing events or

simply fund raising for charitable causes are

positively highlighted from the 18th after-

noon till the 20th.

sCorpio

The ScoRpion

(23 october – 21 noveMber)

After the 19th, you may become a force to

be reckoned with in your career. It is also an

indicator of success. It will favor surgeons,

army personnel, engineers, machinists,

tailors, etc. Secret enemies, expenditures,

losses, self-sabotage and legal compli-

cations may plague you till the 20th.

Cooperation, indulging others, forming a

partnership, listening to your spouse or

beloved will be speed your progress on the

17th till the 18th afternoon. Collaboration

with business partners, forming intimate

ties with others, solving mysteries, receiv-

ing gifts or legacies and possessing cash

are positively highlighted on the 18th and

19th. Be careful with monetary transac-

tion on the 20th. Travel, education, phi-

losophy, religion, writing, publishing and

law are highlighted on the 21st-22nd.

Recognition, professional responsibility

and public dealings are indicated on the

23rd-24th. High fevers, muscle ailments,

heart problems are your health concerns

after the 19th. Watch your health on the

17th, 23rd and 24th.

Your sTAr

THis weekDr. Zaibun nisa

62 Sunday PluS September 18, 2011

Zodiac

GeminiThe Tw

inS

(21 May – 20 June)

Mars visiting your communication sector on

the 19th will bestow an independent but ar-

gumentative mind and compel you to jump

to conclusions. After the 19th, you will enjoy

learning, debate, intellectual challenges

and traveling. Your relationship with your

relatives, brothers and sisters will be also be

revitalized after the 19th. Your ruler close to

the Sun will help you form an alliance with

people of rank and power or receive favors

from the government. Meditation, seclusion,

introspective study, service connected with

asylums, hospitals or public institutions or

an interest in medicine, chemistry, healing,

metaphysics or occult studies will be lucra-

tive on the 17th till the 18th afternoon.

VirGo The ViRgin

(23 august – 22 septeMber)

Finances, joint accounts, debts, taxes and

legacies may experience glitches and issues

till the 20th. Nonetheless, after the 23rd,

financial concerns will be easily sorted out.

Travel, religious pursuits, higher education or

overseas matters may also entail challenges

or delays till the 20th. Mars changing sign

on the 19th indicates secret, covert matters;

difficulty in unburdening problems but it will

make extremely efficient in working behind

the scenes. Exploring, traveling, attend-

ing a workshop, talking to your lawyer and

pursuing spiritual or philosophical interests

are highlighted on the 17th till the 18th af-

ternoon.

sAGiTTArius

The aRcheR

(22 noveMber – 21 DeceMber)

After the 19th, broadening your horizon

via traveling overseas, higher learning, ex-

ploration, religion, philosophy and law will

be auspicious. Your social comm

itments,

friendships, group associations and social

causes may experience a torrent of de-

tours and roadblocks till the 20th. Work

changes must be placed on hold till the

20th. Taking care of the mundane, doing

house chores, organizing details and a

positive work ambience are highlighted

on the 17th till the 18th evening. Relation-

ships, both personal and business will be

of paramount im

portance from the 18th-

20th. Passion, self-healing, researching

skills, financial wheeling and dealing will

have a positive outcome on the 21st-22-

nd. You will be fortified by ideas, philoso-

phy, education, law, publishing and travel

on the 23rd-24th. Health will be delicate

from the 18th-20th.

pisCesThe FiSh

(19 February – 20 March)

Matters concerning jo

int finances, ta

xes,

debts and inheritance m

ay be difficult till

the 20th. Travel plans, educatio

n, literary

concerns and siblings may also suffer ti

ll

the 20th. Job opportu

nities w

ill be ra

m-

pant afte

r the 19

th. Travel plans, re

ading,

writing and dealing with

siblings, rela-

tives and neighbors will t

ake precedence

on the 17th til

l the18th afte

rnoon. Family

will take center stage fro

m the 18

th-20th.

Romance, leisure activitie

s and children

are highlighted on the 21st-22nd. Work

responsibilities are indicated on th

e 23rd-

24th. Watch your h

ealth fro

m the 18

th-

20th.

AquArius

The waTeR beaReR

(20 January – 18

February)

After the 19th, you will

achieve great power

from sharin

g, cooperating and fo

rming social

relations. A new serio

us relationship, even

marriage is on th

e cards. Till

the 20th, mat-

ters concerning education, tr

avel, foreign lands

and religion may experience hurdles. Family

dissension may also occur ti

ll the 20th. Family,

parents and domestic issues may be positiv

ely

handled on the 17th till

the 18

th afternoon. Ro-

mance, children and financial windfalls will b

e

favorable on the 18

th afternoon and th

e 19th.

Avoid stocks or speculation on th

e 20th.

LibrA The ScaleS

(23 septeMber – 22 october)

From the 19th onward, Mars will initiate new

friendships, social gatherings and group

activities resulting in leadership potential

thereby initiating social or group reform. A

reckless attitude and overconfidence may

be damaging in nature till the 20th. Also

events may conspire to make you feel that

options are limited. Perhaps a vague dissat-

isfaction may be experienced or you may try

to redefine yourself by seeking unusual cir-

cumstances till the 20th. However, after the

23rd, success will come via personal efforts.

Intense encounters, intimacy, filing your

taxes, paying your debts, getting insurance,

receiving gifts or cash inflow are positively

highlighted on the 17th-18th. Accumulating

ideas, pursuing spiritual, religious, overseas,

educational and philosophical interests are

highlighted from the 18th afternoon till the

20th.

CApriCorn

The goaT

(22 DeceMber – 19 January)

From the 19th, gain via partnerships, joint

finances and lawsuits is a distinct possibil-

ity. You will successfully pay off debts, file

your tax returns and receive gifts, legacies

and inheritances. Your career may entail

stumbling blocks and delays till the 20th.

Romance, socializing, interaction with chil-

dren and speculation gains are positively

highlighted on the 17th till the 18th after-

noon. Office work, colleagues and attend-

ing to the nitpicky details will take center

stage from the 18th afternoon till the 20th.

Relationships, close friendships and social

connections will be a source of joy on the

21st-22nd. Avoid financial transactions on

the 23rd. The 24th is far more favorable for

financial undertakings. Watch your health

on the 21st-22nd.

63Sunday PluSSeptember 18, 2011

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