“[I identify with] Nur Jehan, the Empress”


Mehreen Jabbar June 05, 2010

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A big bowl of sweet potato fries, a Diet Coke and pointless TV to watch.

What is your greatest fear?

That I might end up looking like Dorian Gray.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Isn’t ‘deplore’ a rather harsh term?

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Now, that’s easy: intolerance.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Buying overpriced and unhealthy buckets of popcorn at movie theatres.

What is your current state of mind?

Sailing on a calm ocean, with occasional turbulence.

On what occasion do you lie?

When I am feeling too lazy to explain the truth.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

My growing waistline.

Which living person do you most despise?

The several hate and war mongers scattered around the world.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Non-controlling.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Generosity.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Really” in both question and the exclamation form. ‘That’s amazing’, ‘Haan jee’, and ‘Nahin yaar’.

When and where were you happiest?

Many times over the years, but now specially.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To play an instrument.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To be more proactive.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The days I can drag myself to the gym.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

One of the migrating birds so I can travel for free.

Where would you most like to live?

Spain.

What is your most treasured possession?

An autograph book from the early 20th century belonging to my grandmother.

If you didn’t do your current job, what would you choose to do?

Something to do with music.

What is your most marked characteristic?

My teeth and my hand wringing. And having a ready smile.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nur Jehan, the Empress.

Who are your heroes in real life?

All who go beyond themselves and help others.

What is your greatest regret?

Get in touch with me later for an article on that.

What’s your favourite quote?

“Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be”.

How many hours of loadshedding did you experience yesterday?

Zero.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 6th, 2010.

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