Despite belonging to completely different professions, they have similar stories and find comfort in each other’s company. TV show host, model and actor Mehr Bano Kazim aka Juggun Kazim exchanged rings with top-notch lawyer and columnist for The Express Tribune Feisal H Naqvi on late Saturday afternoon at Cosa Nostra in the presence of about 50 close friends and family. One guest told us that she has never looked this beautiful and this happy!

“We were introduced by mutual friends, Sanam Taseer and her husband,” Juggun says, narrating how she met Naqvi. She admits that the two did not get along right off the bat, saying, “We did not click when we first talked a year ago.”

Juggun, who has a very vibrant TV personality, says that the two are completely different people. “I am a very serious and practical person, whereas Feisal is completely chilled-out — opposite of what we both may look like!”

But somehow, Cupid struck and the two started to get along. “We were having lunch one day and he took me by surprise by asking ‘How would it be if we married each other?’” Juggun recalls.  “I told him I would think about it only if he proposes to me formally.” A week later, Juggun went to meet his parents and soon after, she “started calling them mummy and daddy”!

But though she is delighted about having found her partner, the morning show host confesses that she had a strained previous marriage. “I had a terrible experience from my last marriage. I am in a better place — somewhere I hadn’t been in a very long time,” she says. Juggun, whose first marriage ended nearly seven years ago, has a son named Hamza. Naqvi is also divorced with two children. “Being with someone who has been married in the past and has children is good for me, because he can empathise with me,” she says.

Mutual friend Sanam Taseer had introduced the two. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Juggun considers Hamza an integral part of her life. “After God, I only have Hamza as my support,” says Juggun. “I wanted him to have a father who is loving, protective and caring. I have found a father for him in Feisal; he and Hamza connect very well.”

She says she would never have remarried without her son’s consent.  “Hamza comes before anyone else. We take decisions together. I asked Hamza what he thinks about Feisal and he said he really likes him and encouraged me to marry him.”

As a single mother, Juggun had her apprehensions, but says that Naqvi made the transition easy for her. “Feisal is a father so he knows how to deal with Hamza. He is always nice to him and I could tell that he’s not just faking it in order to get close to me. His love for Hamza is heartfelt,” she says.

Talking about her relationship with Naqvi, she says “It’s so good to be with someone who is supportive, loving and encouraging. I have shed 12kg ever since I’ve been with him!”

“A while back, I would be embarrassed if any friends asked me to model for them. I could not say no, yet I had to, because I wasn’t in shape. But since I’ve been with him, I have started feeling good about myself.”

Juggun says her son Hamza’s consent was important to her, Meesha Shafi was amongst the few friends and family who attended the engagement lunch . PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

Contrary to elaborate showbiz weddings, Juggun says the decision to not have an extravagant affair is mutual. “We don’t want a tamasha!,” she begins. “We are both divorced; I have a kid and he has two. It will be very stupid if we have an elaborate wedding with a mehendi, mayyun, milaad and other functions.” With a wedding event scheduled for June 30, the couple will also host a musical evening. The couple plans to honeymoon in Vienna, Austria, where Feisal has a house.

Juggun is adamant on not quitting her career. “If you find someone who is well-settled, you don’t have to work to make a living. Now I can do what I want without thinking that I am doing it for a living.”

When contacted, Naqvi was reluctant to give details but did say that he’s happy with Juggun. “She’s an absolutely fabulous person. I am really happy to be with her.”

We wish them all the best in health and happiness!

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2013.                      

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The average skin-conscious person lathers, exfoliates, chafes and sprays skincare products on their body everyday — and because our skin acts more as an absorbent than a barrier, we soak up the hundreds of chemicals we are often exposed to.

While the name of the compound itself sounds pretty harmless, parabens can be easily spotted in essential products such as shampoos, moisturisers, shaving gels, make-up and toothpaste — feel trapped?

What are parabens?

Parabens are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (hence the name), which are used as preservatives in skincare products, or to put it simply, they are used to extend the shelf life of such products. Some common kinds of parabens used are butylparaben, ethylparaben, heptylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben.

What do parabens do?

Parabens are anti-microbial agents that are used to prevent the bacterial and fungal growth in the products. Parabens help preventing their decay and make products last for long so they stay on your dresser. It is an estrogen-mimicking compound that disrupts the endocrine system and causes reproductive and developmental disorders. Recently, according to many researches done, it has also been linked to breast cancer.

Although no definitive link has been made between parabens and breast cancer, a recent study found remains of the chemical in the breast tissue while operating the tumor out of the body.

Prevention

So what should you do when almost every product you use has parabens as an ingredient? According to dermatologist Dr Badar Dhanani, you can do the following things to keep yourself away from products rife with the hazardous compound:

Less is more

Dr Dhanani says, when you go to the cosmetic or drug stores, you should pick out products that have a short shelf life. A shorter shelf life means less parabens are used. This is the first step towards getting your body out of the vicious cycle of parabens.

‘Handmade’ won’t do the trick

When people learn about the harmful products used in commercial products, they think handmade products are the only way out. Despite being absolutely harmless, the manufacturers of these products cannot guarantee the same product every time. “There is no quality control in products that are handmade. You cannot make sure each batch have the same amount of ingredients used,” says Dr Dhanani. So, you might as well think twice before spending a hefty amount on handmade products.

Pay more suffer less

The dermatologist suggests that resorting to expensive skincare brands might help as they clearly mention the elements used in the products that they make. Some brands even have parabens-free range or use fewer amounts of the chemical compound in their products.

Get real

We don’t realise the damage products made on a large scale can cause until things start turning ugly. Sometimes it’s too late to realise the importance of bringing back nature to our lives. Dr Dhanani suggests alternating chemical-laden products with natural (and way cheaper) substitutes. “If you cannot find parabens-free lotions in the market, use olive oil or rosewater,” he says, while reminding us of a very simple truth. “Products are not a must for our survival.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2013.                      

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Judging by the numerous callers on her live TV shows, you can tell that the energy she exudes is contagious. We love how she dresses up. According to Anoushey, her style philosophy is simple. “I work around comfort; I wear whatever is comfortable.” She goes on to say that she likes to dress modestly as she is not “daring” enough to pull off clothes that can land her a controversy.

Solid, dark colours are this TV presenter’s preference and when it comes to bling, she thinks less is more. “I like greens, blues, turquoise and blacks,” she said. Anoushey’s favourite designer is Nomi Ansari, who is also a close friend. “Nomi has very good creations — I absolutely love his clothes.”

Anoushey, who is otherwise lively and chirpy, says she’s not loud when it comes to clothes. “I am not experimental when it comes to dressing up; I don’t take a lot of time deciding what to wear.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th, 2013.

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The 32-year-old appeared on the television screen for the first time at the age of eight, when she co-hosted Meray Bachpan Kay Din with Muneeza Hashmi. After that show, there was no looking back for this multi-talented actor.

“I love accessorising, but if the dress is too busy and elaborate, then I usually don’t,” she said about her style philosophy. “I like to keep my make-up and hair simple. It’s my formula to look younger and fresher.”

Ayesha is always dressed impeccably whenever she arrives at an event. From fashion shows, red carpets or award nights, she’s not one to imitate style. “I wear whatever suits my body structure; I like sleek cuts and don’t follow trends if they don’t suit my body type.”

She left our hearts racing when she appeared in a camel silk gown at the eve of Hum TV Awards. “I just go with the mood. The way I am dressed up speaks for the mood I am in that day,” she added.

The actor loves colours and wears stylish and chic outfits, perfecting them up with her signature bangles and cocktail rings. “The key is to keep it simple and proportionate and let your ensemble do the talking,” she added.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2013.

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Zaka, who boasts a cult following owing to his dare show Living on the Edge, says he wants to ‘test’ his fans. “My fan following is diverse — from Nazimabad’s gutka-chewing audiences to Grammar School girls. I am assessing how much my fans love me,” Zaka smirks, adding, “Facebook ‘likes’ do not guarantee a fan following. If my show’s ratings are soaring high, then they should translate in a strong voters’ turnout for me.” He also boasts that the (burger crowd) that doesn’t participate in other shows, makes an exception for Living on the Edge.

The TV personality seems serious about participating in this year’s general elections from NA-253 constituency. “I am approaching different political parties to get a ticket,” he says. “If I am not given a party ticket, then I will run for elections as an independent candidate.” His efforts will surely help his upcoming show Main Banoonga Minister get eyeballs in this highly-charged elections environment.

Everyone said no — except the MQM

“I have reached out to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Awami National Party (ANP) so far,” Zaka says. “I am open to joining any political party which gives me a ticket.” He confesses, however, that the only party that has paid heed to his requests is the MQM. “I am not a supporter of the MQM,” he clarifies. “But it is the only party that welcomed me! I even went to Bilawal House — they did not let me in.”

Zaka then shared an anecdote about his encounter with the ANP’s Bashir Jan, who he claims did not entertain him because ‘the party doesn’t hire men with long hair’. The TV show host is hopeful that the courts will declare him eligible for elections, and promises to ask his fans for advice on which party to join.

Yes to entertainment

“You might laugh at my manifesto, but all the points speak for people’s needs,” begins Zaka, defending his ideology lest one thinks it’s a joke. Unveiling his election strategy, he elaborates, “Education weducation bakwas baatein hain. Perhne likhne se insan lethal banjata hai (Education is all non-sense. It makes one lethal).”

“My basic idea is to open the doors of entertainment for the masses,” says Zaka. “Everyone wants to become famous. But when they don’t get that fame, they resort to protests [for entertainment]. This is why you see people grinning while they crash and burn public property in the name of Ishq-e-Rasool.”

He promises to provide free Wi-Fi and gaming zones before electricity and water. “Bijli and paani come way after that — people want tafreeh [fun] first.” He solemnly adds that he will resign if any incident of target killing is reported in his constituency. “I will do things that are possible,” he says, adding that he has been daring enough to handle cobras and crocodiles on set.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 2^nd, 2013.                     

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Sources reveal that the show will comprise 10 episodes and up to 22 songs will be made in the course of the show. “We will recreate old popular numbers and will also produce original tracks that include the grand finale song,” says Shahi. The interesting collaborations range from instrument players to pop and rock legends of the country to folk artists. Some of the names that are expected to feature in the show include ex-Junoon member Salman Ahmad, Ali Azmat, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Meesha Shafi and Zoe Viccaji. Instrumentalists like Shalum Xavier and Aamir Zaki are also expected to join the show.

Speaking about gathering such famous names of the music industry, Shahi said, “It’s a very different concept — something like this has not been introduced in Pakistan before. It is not essentially a competition like international music shows, it is aimed at mentoring and introducing budding singers.”

Previously, Coke and Pepsi were the only brands supporting the music industry and cricket respectively, until recetly, when Ufone came up with Uth Records as a platform for underground singers and bands. It crash-landed, however, after the second season failed to meet the high expectations set by an incredibly versatile first season.

The collaboration with Cornetto marks Shahi’s entry into ‘branded’ music shows. Usually known for his heavy workout routines and staying out of the limelight, Shahi is one of the least talked-about producers in the mainstream media primarily because of his preference to restrict himself to his studio space.

Shahi recently came in the limelight with Naya Pakistan and a few cameo appearances alongside Ahmed at the rallies of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. His portfolio boasts impressive work, making Cornetto Youth Icon worth the wait. Currently, a promo featuring model Cybil Chowdry and musician Ahmed Butt has been released, which has got many music lovers talking.

The show will feature prominent personalities from the music industry, including Salman Ahmad, Ali Azmat, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Meesha Shafi, Zoe Viccaji, Shalum Xavier and Aamir Zaki. PHOTO: FILE

What to expect?

The show’s format does not follow the arrangement of singing shows like Pakistan Sangeet Icon, where musicians sit in the judges’ panel to weigh the vocal abilities of youngsters. It is also different from Coke Studio, in that there will be no cluster of seasoned musicians producing commercial music.

“It is extremely different from Coke Studio,” Shahi explains. “The target audience is people aged less than 25 years, hence the show is concentrated towards the youth. We will introduce singers, while Coke Studio is more of a jam of renowned artists.”

The change in the format and line-up will be interesting owing to Shahi’s extensive experience in the field of music and his affiliation with Vital Signs. He has previously worked with most of the musicians who are collaborating on Cornetto Youth Icon. The collaborations will be worth the experience for any young singer because currently, releasing music albums is no longer a trend, and all artists need is one popular song to get a slice of fame. What better way to do this than sharing studio space with prodigies like Azmat or Zaki, under the guidance of Shahi?

Vital Signs ruled the music charts in the ’90s, and still has a very strong influence on the music industry, despite the fact that it was disbanded after singer Junaid Jamshed left the band. The fact that Rohail was picked out by Coke and now Shahi for Cornetto Youth Icon, speaks volumes of their stellar reputations.

The show is much needed, given that the Pakistani music industry is going through a slump; so while the show will do a lot in promoting the brand name, it will also help the music industry foster.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st, 2013.

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Spread better rumours

From panic about a military/alien takeover to speculations that Rehman Malik has employed a new scheme to prevent terrorism , Twitter saw just about all the conspiracy theories that could be born in the wake of a nationwide blackout. While some tried to think of ‘logical’ explanations (such as PSO has stopped supplying fuel to electricity companies), others got really excited about the government toppling. Next time, you can get more creative and switch on the common sense bulb — most of us don’t need a generator for that.

Get a little high

No, we are not condoning any form of substance abuse. All we want you to do is get up on the roof or pull out that charpoy (sans chowkidar) and look up at the stars. You won’t need any form of banned substances and/or sappy Valentine’s Day leftover messages to get starry eyed. It will be Bollywood in real time as the breeze blows against your face and the sky is lit up with a million stars. Disclaimer: Don’t expect Shahrukh Khan to show up. He won’t be able to find his way in the dark.

Eat your feelings

It’s too dark to look at the calorie counter and your feelings are dark too. Besides, you will be doing your bit for the hunger crisis if you don’t let that tub of ice cream go to waste. Again, don’t worry about that moment on your lips being forever on your hips. No one will see anything. And with our luck, our country will never resolve its electricity problems and we can all be happily overweight. So feel your way through the darkness (avoid the maid) and binge away.

Djinn o’ clock

When was the last time you sat down with your siblings and told each other stories about the churail with the inverted feet? If you can’t remember, then the next power outage is just the right time to invent your encounter with a ghost. Head to the living room, huddle up in a circle and tell your stories in the dead of the night. If you have grandparents, the story telling session may get better; your dadi may tell you the one about the djinn that fell in love with her khulay baal.

Soul search

When all else fails, the last but definitely not the least important thing you might want to do is a bit of soul searching. It’s important since you will have to search quite a bit and don’t be shocked if you realise you don’t have it anymore. For those of you who do, you can write dark, tortured poetry. No one will judge you as long as you make sure it doesn’t see the light of the day. So find your soul, but keep it to yourself.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2013.            

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KARACHI: Did the flowers you gave her not provoke any excitement? The chocolates didn’t make her happy either? Well then, you must be doing something terribly wrong or maybe s(he) is tired of receiving the same gifts every year.

To save you from making a crash landing this Valentine’s Day, we have gathered ideas that will get you a guaranteed ear-to-ear smile from the one you love.

Instagram coasters to be remembered

A great Instagrammed date is a day well spent! Who doesn’t Instagram their photos, especially when it makes you look attractive. Refresh good times by printing your best Instagram moments and making these DIY Instagram beverage coasters. It may be simple and cheap but a guaranteed heart-melting moment.

Things that you will need:

- White glue

- Instagram photo prints

- Flat cork rounds

- Cardboard paper

Cut your photos and cardboard paper according to the size of the cork rounds. Put glue on both sides of the cardboard paper. Stick one side to the cork round and the other to your picture, making sure the glue isn’t oozing. Let it dry and voila! You have your own, personalised beverage coasters — perfect for his/her office desk.

Cost: Rs150 a piece (for him and her)

Love is in the air? So are balloons!

Balloons can brighten anyone’s day. So take a big box or carton, and wrap it with plain gold or silver paper. Paste or draw a heart on the front face, and write a message if you want to go all out expressing yourself.

A heartfelt message taped with a bunch of balloons in her will say a lot than just a box filled with balloons, so make sure you personalise it. Write to your heart’s content to make sure the words stay with her forever. She will open the box at her doorstep and call you to shout a big thank you!

Cost: Rs250 for a bunch of balloons and a carton (For her)

Love grows in a potted plant

What else would be better than waking up to flowers, not ones you picked out from the roadside florist, but from a small potted plant you surprised your Valentine with? It’s sweet to also include a message saying that you wish your love grows as the plant grows (and pray the plant doesn’t wilt!). If it sounds too cheesy, just know that Valentine’s Day is the one day when cheesiness is forgivable.

Cost: Approximately Rs400, but depends on the plant (For him and her)

Dive into the sea of love

If your Valentine is adventurous, plan a trip to Churna Island, which is tucked 60km away from Hawkes Bay, for scuba diving. Just dive into the water and surprise him/her with a rose or thoughtful message when you are both submerged — it will bring a smile on anyone’s face.

Cost: Approximately Rs5,000 (for him and her)

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2013.            

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Pakistani-American actor Theba arrived precisely three minutes before he was expected at the informal talk with fans at T2F, smiling ear-to-ear and looking comfortable in a crisp orange cotton kurta and a dusty-blue patterned scarf.

Before he took the floor to talk to his fans, I was lucky enough to have a quick chat with him. As Theba spoke, his face was radiant and his voice clear; he didn’t mind repeating himself over all the chatter, and proudly flaunted his poised Urdu accent. I realised he would make an articulate radio jockey.

“It always feels wonderful coming back to Pakistan,” he said. “I had mixed feelings [before I returned]; I love the country I was born in, but the political and the security situation here…” he trailed off, perhaps to avoid making a negative comment.

“I’m not scared, but I know that every time you leave your house, you are taking a chance with life,” he said. Moving on to things he loves about Karachi, he said, “I love going towards Clifton and smelling the ocean, it’s comforting in its own way.”

He smiled as he compared beaches in Los Angeles to Karachi saying, “Beaches in LA are cleaner, but beaches here are more interesting — they have camels! And the spirit of people is just so endearing. Everyone here goes through hell everyday but the zeal for living goes on. People celebrate life and they have a pursuit of happiness.”

Before Theba opened his talk, he was silent for a moment and then said, “What do I say, yaar?” The room echoed with the laughter.

He talked about his stay in Pakistan, and said that he loves being around people. “I enjoy eating biryani, zarda and kebabs. My stay here is always crazy, hectic, wonderful and fun.”

He kept the audience engaged by slipping into the persona of Principal Figgins from time to time.

He also talked about his journey to Hollywood. “It all started when I graduated as a civil engineer. I hated my major and went up to my father to tell him that. My father reacted just as any other father in his place would — he told me to deal with it.” Theba said he shrugged off the idea of giving up and took up a summer internship with a school senior.

“I soon realised that this is not what I want, so I quit it and waited tables to pay the bills.”

The turning point in Theba’s life came when his friend invited him to see the play she was acting in. “It was the first time I went to any play and it got me thinking.” Theba described acting as a “very mystical field” and said that he was immediately fascinated by it.

“It was a difficult decision,” he went on. “You spend four years in school and then put the money and time to waste. It takes courage to open up to your family and tell them, you only live once,” he said, as the audience shouted “YOLO!”

Theba said being a Pakistani in America has worked in his favour. “I get way more acting offers only because I am a Pakistani, I don’t feel like I am discriminated against,” he said.

Theba recalled his first role in the film A Decent Proposal, where he delivered only one line which was later chucked out. “I didn’t give up,” the actor said, “You need to keep your faith strong and be ready to make sacrifices.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2013.

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ISLAMABAD: In response to Dr Tahirul Qadri’s demands made during his long march, Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Nisar Ali announced three conditions on Tuesday on behalf of his party Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N).

Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Nisar presented three demands and said that the Punjab government will not let Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Qadri’s demands be fulfilled until PML-N’s demands are met.

Stating the demands, he called for early elections and said that the elections should not be held in July. Nisar said that the election campaigns were being delayed in order to prolong the election dates. Secondly, he said that the month’s time frame given to scrutinise candidates for election should not be as long.

Lastly, he said that the candidates for a caretaker setup should also be nominated from Sindh and Balochistan. Nisar said that these two provinces were ignored and that they should not be overlooked any more.

The PML-N leader said that the Punjab government will not let the assemblies dissolve until these conditions were accepted.

Matter of forming new provinces should not be politicised

Nisar said that the new provinces in Southern Punjab will only be made on people’s accord, not on some “Makhdoom’s wish”.

He said that that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was only trying to politicise the matter and that the party and its “cronies” were not even interested in making new provinces.

The PML-N leader said that it was his party that initiated the idea of making new provinces.