GT reviews “The Nishat”
Upon stepping inside Lahore’s “The Nishat,” the hues of black and grey along with the quirky décor items create an experience one might expect from stepping onto a Stanley Kubrick set complete with a tophat-donning doorman. Suited with deluxe and executive rooms, royal and presidential suites and short stay apartments, this snazzy boutique hotel has something for every modern-day traveller.
Checking in, a bell boy accompanied me to my room. The elevators have been jazzed up, eschewing the brushed chrome for white wooden panelling with mirrors on all four sides. The next human contact was a fruit basket and a plate of cookies delivered for my comfort! You can then proceed with business at ease, whether it be catching up with some deskwork while nestling comfortably in your rotating egg chair or washing away the city grime and slop with a soothing bath in the oval-shaped tub outfitted with noob-proof accessories. I finished off the bath with a refresher by stepping under the thunderous rain shower and dowsing myself in delectably scented shampoo and conditioner.
I finished off the bath with a refresher by stepping under the thunderous rain shower and dowsing myself in delectably-scented shampoo and conditioner
If it’s time for lunch, step out into the plush elevator once more to find yourself in the casual eatery, the pizzeria, with a wood fire oven on site. Climb down a few steps and you’ll find yourself in line with another larger-than-life chandelier from which the name of the restaurant below, The Cube, derives. A window looking out creates a perfect image of candles, fashioned to evoke a candlelit mood over dinner. If you’re too lazy to venture out to either of these eateries, the room service will do just fine, offering a standard variety of steaks, burgers, Pakistani dishes, salads and seafood. When I ordered a steak, the man on the line confirmed that medium-rare actually means a little bloody, and if you know what you’re getting into. This type of service is evocative of the best restaurants in Europe. I ordered a Caesar salad and pepper steak. The salad came across as a bit unembellished, but it had all the trappings of a Caesar salad with which you can’t argue. The saran wrap protecting each food item (thankfully with the exception of the steak) reassures one of a thoroughly clean kitchen. The pepper steak is adequately peppery, but not cooked enough for me! Hot and piping on second arrival, the steak pleased my very Pakistani taste buds! If you fancy a dessert, the walnut pudding accompanied by vanilla ice cream is a most scrumptious option.
Later in the day, once the lunch has settled, you may feel it’s time for some fitness and you can once again travel via elevator to the gymnasium or the pool. The pool is dimly lit and long and narrow, so if you prefer a sunny poolside experience, this is not the pool for you. Find yourself in the gymnasium and it’s a different story: brightly lit with the striking sandblasted window design I found earlier in my room overlooking the bustle of Lahore’s Mahmood Ali Kasuri road. If you have experienced unattended and unmaintained gyms at other hotels, this one truly boasts top-of-the line machines, all brand new and, excuse the pun, in great shape.
Ikat fabric. Featured here are the Italian bull leather chesterfield in tan
When I ordered a steak, the man on the line confirmed that medium-rare actually means a little bloody. This type of service is reminiscent of the best restaurants in Europe
I went to the Robert Alexander Salon and Spa for some R&R. Got a fantastic haircut and blow dry by the superb Lebanese team who actually live and work at The Nishat. Finally, after having bathed, eaten, worked out and been primped and prepped, one finds one self centrally located. You can whiz off wherever your fancy lies. Feeling like playing the host? Well, invite your friends over for an all-out bash in the banquet room, all 250 if need be. Complete with bar, sound system and, of course, snazzy chandeliers, you can guarantee you’ll be the belle of the ball.
What was the experience like working in Bollywood?
I’ve learnt a lot from working in Bollywood. Pakistani films are certainly on the rise but in India, movies are already a huge, money-churning business, they’re extremely organised and professional. For instance, wherever our team went to shoot, we were accompanied by an auditing team. They’d work in a separate room and make sure that we’d never go over the budget. There is so much to learn that I find the entire debate that Pakistani actors shouldn’t work elsewhere senseless. By working in other countries, we’re able to move out of our comfort zones, learn more and bring that back to our own industry.
The Indian film industry is in a very exciting phase right now as it has the perfect combination of experienced filmmakers and newcomers, who are taking Bollywood to new heights.
In the course of promotions for “Khoobsoorat” I have met Farah Khan, Anu Malik and Anupum Kher and they’ve all been very welcoming.
Looking back, what are your thoughts on “Humsafar” or “Zindagi Gulzar Hai,” the dramas that made you famous?
“Zindagi Gulzar Hai” couldn’t have been shown in India at a better time, I appreciate the efforts of HUM TV who are trying very hard to make their productions popular all over the world. I feel very fortunate.
The days that I am off work are the days I spend like a bear
How do you spend your free time?
The days that I am off work are the days I spend like a bear. I go into hibernation. I stay at home and connect with family. I visit my parents or my in-laws and I love to spend time with my son.
Any movie or dramas in the pipeline?
I’m currently in talks for a Pakistani film and a couple of Bollywood films. I’m staying away from television for a while.
This year, there was a small kerfuffle at the ARY film awards with Shaan proudly declaiming that he had never worked in an Indian movie. Ali Zafar gracefully and intelligently defended his decision to work in India. What message would you like to give your fans in Pakistan about cross-border collaborations?
It’s useless criticising working in India. Ali has carved a niche for himself; I have been his fan much before he came to Bollywood. He has got all the elements working for him. I am a huge supporter of Ali. There are very few people who don’t like my work in India; they are continuously criticising me and my work, they have their own opinion and I don’t want to say anything to them. If any Indian actor will work in the Pakistani industry, Indian people will criticize him or her, I think there is no limit or border for talent and art.
I find the entire debate that Pakistani actors shouldn’t work elsewhere senseless
Your character Zaroon in the Pakistani romantic “Zindagi Gulzar Hai” is immensely popular in India. Are there any similarities between the two of you?
Only the romantic part!
Who are your influences in Bollywood?
I grew up on Amitabh Bachchan films like “Do Aur Do Paanch,” “Mr Natwarlal,” “Satte Pe Satta” and “Shahenshah” etc. I love this dialogue: “Jis din main koi gori titli dekh leta hoon mere khoon mein sainkado kaale kutte ek saath bhokne lagte hain, uss din main Black Dog peeta hoon.” And “Rishte mein toh hum tumhare baap lagte hain” from Shahenshah. I’ve also seen “Mr India” several times.
