This year, fill your resolutions list with fun, easy and feel-good goals. These additions to your daily life will keep your mind and body healthy, ease your stress, make your skin glow and help you manage the crazy in your life!
It’s best to start small and gradually inculcate each goal into your daily life. Remember to make a mental note of this – progress isn’t linear. Deciding to be better and challenging yourself is great but don’t forget to have fun along the way!
Here’s a list of a few New Year’s resolutions to help you get started:
1: Start your morning with a stretching routine and intentional breathing: While stretching keeps you flexible and mobile, intentional breathing is a powerful tool that keeps your stress and anxiety in check.
2: Drink plenty of water: Make sure to have at least 8 glasses of water a day! Staying hydrated will have a positive effect on both your physical and mental health.
3: Move more, sit less: Make it a goal to start taking daily walks. A walk in the fresh air will surely boost your mood.
4: Adopt an attitude of gratitude: It has been scientifically proven that people who practice gratitude have stronger immune systems. An attitude of gratitude isn’t adopted overnight — be patient with yourself, and work towards building a conscious mindset to focus on the positives in every situation.
5: Stay in touch with your loved ones: Living through a global pandemic has definitely reiterated the importance of family and friends in our lives. Pick up your phone and make that call; they miss you too!
6: Live simply, consume less and set a monthly budget: You work hard to earn and better your quality of life. Make sure to have fun but don’t forget to be a little more conscious of your spending decisions. Saving is essential when it comes to long-term security.
7: Develop a skincare routine: A skincare routine improves the health of your skin, boosts confidence and slows down ageing – when you take care of yourself and look good, you feel good!
8: Try something new: What’s something that you’ve been wanting to try? Break out of your comfort zone; now is the time to finally do it!
9: Take more frequent breaks: Rest, relaxation and improved sleep is essential for better mental health. Moreover, rest helps increase productivity, improve concentration and reduce stress.
10: Take time to appreciate your accomplishments: Remember to take out 5 minutes every single day to appreciate yourself and everything that you do. Be proud of yourself; you’re doing great!
In conversation with influencer Maham AKA Desi Baguette about her life as an expat, her favourite things to do in Lahore and more
You called yourself Simran but with chins, how did you come up with that?
Well Simran, is the equivialent for a brown Disney princess. The one who gets her Raj against all odds. But what happens once
Bau Jee lets her go and tells her to “jee lay apni zindagi�
All I want to show on my platform is realness and eradicate all forms of these perfect lives and perfect bodies we see splattered all around us. I have never fit into the social norms that defines beauty but I still wear my flaws like a shining shield because they are what make me, me; and that is what makes me the happiest — my identity and the ability to be enough.
Tell us about how you started your blog. Was it a planned decision?
Desi Baguette was born out of intense nostalgia, loneliness, the awe fully inspiring city of Paris — which gave me marital bliss sometimes but consistent woes of an expat life. It wasn’t planned at all. I come from a big fat loud Punjabi family. Our after dinner mehfils are endless. When I went from that to eating alone and not even being able to communicate my order because of the language barrier, I felt like I needed to record that so one day I can tell my kids proudly, I survived this phase of my life!
How did you come up with the name Desi baguette and what’s the significance?
I was a true Lahori girl whose parathas were replaced by baguettes but I would still dip them in the aloo gosht shorba — that is what Desi Baguette means to me. There is no specific story behind it, just that this page was born out of intense nostalgia, sometimes marital bliss and the never ending woes of an expat life. Of course all of this was topped off by me swinging my saree palloo to Bollywood music no matter what the situation in my life. First around the Eiffel tower, where i was living right after my wedding and now someone near Harrods where I’m on a constant lookout for Karan Johar.
What are the pros and cons about being an influencer?
The pros of having a public account and a handful of people who follow you keeps me going so much. It has given me the utmost confidence, an ego boost, validation and definitely a source of motivation to find happiness in the dullest situations. The biggest example being the lockdown. I feel super lucky to have people along with me who accept me and love me for who I am. I’ll pull a Shahrukh here and I will say: it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world!
The only con for having a public image is the trolling that comes with it. However, I have learnt to embrace the fact that all types of comments will come in and they won’t always be what you want to hear. The love that I get overshadows the trolls.
If you could change one thing about social media, what would it be?
The cancel culture! When did we become so rigid and incapable of letting things go? I cannot deal with the apathy, heartlessness and giving the other person no room for error.
You talk about life as an expat a lot on your blog. What, in your opinion, is the hardest part about being away from home?
It’s literally an everyday effort. Some days takes its toll on you – being away from your loved ones. The hardest part of being away is always living in the fear that ‘what if something happens.’ The biggest what if was looming over our heads in the year 2020 when travel was restricted. It gave me straight up anxiety.
Tell us about your favourite places to visit at home in Lahore.
Haye. I picture Lahore as I write this: I step out of the airport and the familiar scene of people standing with phollon walay haar crosses my eyes. My eyes scan for my father’s familiar face. We drive down Burki Road and I see all the streets I know so well. The streets that raised me. Lahore always feels like home. Whether it’s the paratha rolls in H block or the grocery runs in Y block, friends’ hangouts at Rina’s (specially for their cold coffee) or secret dates at Hotspot, I will always fantasize about Lahore and every single place that has memories etched in the back of my head. I cannot pinpoint one single place but of course
When I step out of the Allama Iqbal International Airport and the familiar scene crosses my eyes of people standing with phoolon kay haar and my eyes scan for that one familiar face of my father. Driving down the Burki road, the familiar streets which raised me. From paratha rolls in H block to grocery runs in Y block. Friends hangout in Rina’s for their cold coffee and secret dates in hotspot. I fantasize Lahore and every place which has memories etched in the back of my head. I cannot pinpoint one place but ofcourse that every home that welcomes me with open arms, is my favourite place to be.
Do you have any regrets about your journey?
None at all! I truly believe everything happens for a reason, God is the best of planners and time is the best teacher. I wouldn’t change one bit.
You joke about your husband being sick of your blog but what does your husband think of the blog in real life? Is he supportive? Does he enjoy making content with you?
Haha! He’s a really private person but he married into a family who believes in extreme oversharing. He never in his wildest dreams imagined isolating that one person would result into oversharing with 60000 people now. Thus, the annoyed expressions whenever I try to include him in the blog. However, I know he secretly loves the attention and the fact that I flaunt him proudly to the world. He is extremely supportive in shooting my content. He’s the one who encouraged me by taking pictures with literally every coloured wall while travelling. He is quite a wiz behind the camera. He knows the blog means a lot to me emotionally and he has always encouraged me to make this a full-time paid thing. I have never been able to do that due to my own hesitations. However, the minute I ask him to come in front of the camera he gets uncomfortable. So I never ask him to do something that I know I would be overstepping his boundaries. So him being featured is mostly nonconsensual. It’s just how it works.
What advice do you have for girls that are trying to become bloggers or influencers?
Please be genuine and real. There is so much need for original content and genuineness to break the cycle of ridiculous societal pressures of unrealistic body standards that are just so toxic. Follow your heart, don’t get sucked into the numbers game and you will connect with your crowd right on!
Zain Hashmi’s Collection encapsulates couture pieces that reflect each bride’s personality. There is a sea of dreamy tones and extensive handwork techniques spotted in his work that is sure to satisfy every bride’s vision. Their men’s formal line features an exclusive signature colour palette and rich textures.
Label/Designer: Zain Hashmi
Models: Kiran Ghazi & Munsif Ali Khan
Photography: Stopstyle
PR & Coordination: Shamail Butt
Hair & Make up: Saima Rashid Bargfrede
We asked our favourite celebrities their New Year Resolutions along with the best & worst part of the past year. Here’s what they had to say…
Zarrar Khan
To encourage people. Encouraging people to be better versions of themselves and take on more responsibility. The best part of the past year has to be finally going back some sort of normalcy. The small act of going to restaurants and sharing a meal with friends means so much. The worst has to be dealing with passing of a couple of friends and coming to terms with loss.
Mahnur Haider
My resolution is to cut ties with anyone and everyone with bad and negative vibes. I am not letting anyone disturb my chakras this year or the years to follow! The past year has been very fruitful for me in terms of work and growth. The worst parts were definitely Covid, Dengue, smog anything and everything that has put us in masks.
Juggun Kazim
My New Year’s resolution is to remember that life is short and that I need to cherish every moment I’m given on this earth and to spend my time, my one wild and precious life, with the people I love and who mean the most to me. The best part of the year was my returning to work after taking time off from work for the birth of my daughter, Noorbano. I’m doing a morning show with A+ now and a game show in the evenings. But the highlight of work for me this year was the launch of my organic skincare and haircare brand, Nur. The worst part of the year was losing my father-in-law. I called him Daddy because my father died when I was young and Daddy was, in so many ways, the father that I never had. Daddy was wise and wonderful and always, always loving. I miss him so much.
Fahad Hussayn
My new year resolve is to work on myself more and to learn better. The best part of this past year was the relaunch of my brand and the worst part has been all the losses that me and the people close to me have seen.
Maheen Kardar
I don’t really believe in New Year resolutions but mine would be to be more mindful, enjoy my kids, and get back into a sustainable work out routine. The best part of the year was all the new friends, opportunities and travels that came my way, the worst was definitely my father being very unwell.
Rehmat Ajmal
My New Year’s resolution is to allow myself to make mistakes, forgive myself and to take it easy. To learn that I don’t always have to be on top of everything. The best part of 2021 was to doing lot of self work and falling more in love with myself, worst I wouldn’t call it worst, I’d call it a unique challenge – to make a new home in a strange city, to make unfamiliar, familiar.
Dino Ali
My New Year Resolution in my work is to release music and to make more positive and fun content for others to enjoy. In my personal life to be a better brother, son, friend, human being and hopefully do even more charitable work, InshAllah.
HSY
My new year resolution is to live a life of purpose. To try and give back as much as possible and to live a life that is truly healthy; physically and emotionally. I want to focus on wellness.
Here are 8 pet stars that are making us smile!
Sana and Kaia G.G (Golden Girl)
Breed: Golden Retriever
Favourite activity to do together: Cuddle & play catch
Kaia is the sweetest, smartest and the most attentive dog ever; she picks up on everyone’s moods and behaves accordingly. Also, she’s freakishly good with cameras — whenever you pull out your phone to take a picture of her, she’d stop whatever she’s doing and start posing. She’s kind & she’s so dearly loved in our home!
Sophiya and Jiggy & Cuddles
Breed: Shih Tzu
Favourite activity to do together: Go for a walk
Both my babies have opposite personalities and I love them both for it. Jiggy is super intelligent and responsive, he picks up tricks through training super fast! Cuddles is just a small ball of love, she just likes to relax and be pampered all the time. Both of them are super energetic around each other and they always keep us entertained!
Adil AND Juno and Enzo
Breed: Husky
Juno is about 10 months old and Enzo is a year and a half. I got Enzo when he was around 32 days old and Juno when she was 45 days old. We eat, sleep, run and travel together. Juno’s a typical retriever. We love going on walks, plenty of high fives and handshakes, playing fetch. Enzo, on the other hand is a typical husky. So much energy! Always running around and going for a walk is always a task. He pulls the leash, howls. He’s super picky with his food, slow eater and always looking to chase cats. If Enzo sees a cat, he’ll run a mile looking for it.
Bhindi and OscarÂ
Breed: Husky
Favourite activity to do together: Go for walks and chill on the sofa together
Oscar is one of the most important things in my life to me. He’s given me joy, laughs, companionship and unlimited cuddles.
Aimen and Princess Puggles
Breed: Pug
Favourite activity to do together:
Cuddle! Although I must admit that our cuddle sessions mostly consist of me trying to hug her and her desperately attempting to get away from me.
Puggles was the first dog I ever adopted. In our 6 years together, we have seen our fair share of ups and downs: our forceful cuddle sessions, days when she would refuse to eat unless I fed her from my palm, two beautiful births, Puggles’ falling ill and being diagnosed a neurological disorder, me getting married and moving away… we’ve really seen the best and the worst together. But I wouldnt have it any other way, because through it all, she has taught me the meaning of pure, never-ending and unconditional love.
Haddiya and Hulk
Breed: Shih Tzu
Favourite activity to do together: Playing fetch!
My baby Hulk is 9 months old and he’s just like my own son. Having a pet is such a blessing. Teaches us how to love unconditionally.pop
Shireen and Bella
Breed:
Your favourite activity to do together: Watching cat videos and squeaky toys videos
She’s the best birthday gift I’ve gotten. My bestie, my baby and my favourite cuddle buddy!
Meher and Dodo
Breed: Labrador
Favourite activity to do together: We love to snuggle and watch TV together
Something about my baby: She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me – she’s my therapy dog, my confidante, my best friend and my favourite pooch in the world!
We spoke to 22-year-old entrepreneur BISMA AKBARÂ about her latest venture, her inspiration and future plans
You’ve just launched your line of perfumes. Tell us a little about that.
Each fragrance in our line is distinct and unique. We tried to make sure that we offer fragrances for different moods and occasions. Sweet Heaven is a delicate scent, perfect for intimate dinners while Shining Mystery has earthy tones that are ideal for office and school wear.
Who is your inspiration?
I definitely take inspiration from the great design houses of the world, Cavalli, Gucci and so forth; But beyond that, I found a huge lack of authentic and local perfume brands. So I ventured to create my own.
How did this idea come into being?
I collaborated with the creative team behind Junaid Jamshed who I knew through professional interaction. They were generous enough to work with me and shared my vision.
You have so many things on your plate — designing and now this new business venture. How do you find time for everything?
I try to move away from the 24-hour grind mentality. The fact is that efficient management of time is the most important thing while ensuring health in your lifestyle. That means eating well and sleeping well. Managing clothing, denim, and now fragrances alongside my work with Master keeps my plate full but with a dedicated team and a calm mindset most things are possible.
What made you choose Waliya and Faizan for the shoot?
We wanted an approachable look to the brand. Celebrities, especially in Pakistan, become associated with all sorts of different brand images and we wanted to be more thoughtful with what we were going for. Instead of the product being spoken for by the model, it speaks for itself and is elevated by the fantastic work that Faizan and Waliya did.
Will there be other upcoming beauty products under Bisma Akbar beauty?
We hope to make this into a full beauty line. But you’ll have to stay tuned for that.
You’ve said you want to pursue politics in the future. Is that still the plan? How did an interest in politics come about?
Well, I’ve been dreaming of becoming the Prime Minister since I was a child. It has a lot to do with the unfortunate circumstances that we find our beloved country. Poverty is such a visible and distressing issue and that’s my main motivation. I’ve already decided on hopefully beginning my political career as soon as I turn 25.
Who’s your inspiration?
Definitely Benazir Bhutto. Her strength of character in the face of adversity was so inspiring and her death was a tragedy that continues to live with me. Her legacy is so important and I always think if we can even be a shadow of what she was we will be the best of Pakistan.
Do you have any regrets?
Regrets are unproductive. I’m constantly looking and moving forward but yes we all have regrets in our personal life. As far as professional life is concerned I am extraordinarily content and thankful to almighty Allah.
What would you say to young people that look up to you and might be struggling right now?
Belief is everything. Everything we do follows from our willingness to do it and our believing in it. If we don’t believe we can do something we certainly can’t. But if we strive with our person to do it then there is no way we can not achieve almost anything!
Rema Taseer looks graceful as ever in this Sana Safinaz outfit. We love her choice of feminine Pearl earrings. Her sleek ponytail and bright yellow Jacquemus bag tie the look together.
Hira is the epitome of casual chic in this look. Her comfy sweeter and knitwear pants paired with a sleek bun and white sneakers complete the look.
Baemisaal always knows how to make a statement and she does just that in this Khaadi outfit. She sparkles (quite literally) with her makeup and we’re drooling over those open back loafers!
Mehek Saeed can do no wrong and she proved that yet again in this look, perfect for fall. We’re obsessed with everything about this look — from the shades to the chunky slides — it’s a hit!
Influencer Naiha AKA rebellious brownie turns up the heat in this outfit. She pairs an oversized black blazer with ripped mom jeans and white sneakers.
Bushra Mehrunissa turns heads in this leather look. The wrap blazer and brown pants go very well together. She keeps it simple by choosing pointed black heels.
Amna Shariff jewelry, Tulin K. Design Stationery and Sadia Shariff photography came together and collaborated for an exhibition at Amna Shariff Studio in Lahore.
Fahad Hussayn hosted his solo show Digital Janjaalpura. It was a star studded event with Ali Xeeshan, Sabeeka Imam and Tabesh Khoja in attendance.
Fashion Pakistan Lounge held their fabulous multi designer exhibit at their Lahore location. From influencers to fashion designers, the exhibit was a star studded event.
Clothing brand Beyond East launched their new store in Packages Mall with a bang. PR was handled by ARPR.
Kamiar Rokni celebrated 20 years of Kamiar Rokni with an immersive fashion presentation. The collection embodies his artistic journey in the past two decades. It was a night of fun and fashion with some of our favorite people in attendance.
Fashion student and influencer Habiba Rahman takes us inside her closet
My personal style in three words
My personal style is comfy, girly and laidback
My favourite creation
I love each and everything I’ve ever made but I think my favourites have to be all the bucket hats I’ve made (just because I wear them so often); and the JW Anderson cardigan I made because it was a labour of love!
My top 5 wardrobe essentials
Sneakers with a platform because I’m tiny
A white chikankaari kurta; I can’t survive summer in Lahore without it. Plus, it can be dressed up or down in so many ways!
A pair of jeans that fit just the way you like it
A plain white tee
A plain white button down in a poplin cotton
My favourite vintage item
Everything I’ve inherited from my Dadi and Nani is so special to me. Recently my Nani gave me the most beautiful fully hand worked saree from her bridal trousseau. The best part is the kaam is all saccha so it looks brand new!
My top 5 shoe essentials
Definitely platform sneakers because they give me a sneaky bit of height!
A pair of Doc Martens; they go with everything ????
Some form of shiny high heels to survive shaadi season
High top Converse are another classic
And of course, a pair of khussas. All my favourites are from Khussa Mahal in Liberty, Lahore
My most prized possession
I don’t have a particular prized possession – it’s important not to get too attached to material things as they come and go.
Running a small business is no easy feat.
A small business owner is responsible for overseeing every aspect of their business. This ranges from the creative side to the very different, business side of the small company
Listed here are 6 unique, small businesses that have been knocking it out of the park!
1. Simana Shop
@simana.shop
This clothing brand specialises in lounge wear. Most of their pieces are locally handmade from natural fibre. With a built to last ideology, this brand is part of the slow fashion revolution. This means that their brand identity resonates with a minimal environmental impact. The production (including packaging; handmade paper tags) and usage of their products promotes sustainability. This brand’s minimalist approach and solid colours caught my eye. My personal favourite has to be the ribbed sweater pants. Their products are perfect for the current fall and upcoming winter season. Comfortable yet chic, wear it on a winter morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
2. Chanoor
@chanoor
This brand uses textile material to make handmade, lightweight jewellery. From intricate embroidered pieces to thread bangles, all items can be categorised as unique and one-of-a-kind. For all the brides-to-be, the gota bangles might just be the perfect fit for you. Look beautiful without having to compromise on safety! Moreover, these pieces can be worn with both — eastern & western outfits.
3. Wild Yeast
@wild.yeast
For all the carb-o-holics out there, you need to get your hands on these handmade artisan breads! My personal favourites are definitely the sourdough, focaccia bread and the dark chocolate babka. This small business keeps updating their menu with mouth-watering items. Recent add-ons include apple pie jam, chilli oil, pesto rosso and basil pesto. Isn’t bread just the best?
4. The Kandle Co.
@thekandleco
This small business specialises in handcrafted and aesthetic looking candles and reed diffusers with a variety of scents to choose from. All materials used to make the products are ethically sourced, recyclable and plastic free. I, myself, am a repeat buyer of the “double espresso shot” candle. The owner’s perspective was to focus on the power of scent. And that’s exactly what this candle did for me — it’s a part of my everyday feel good self-care routine!
5. Khussa Gar
@khussa_gar
When you think of something different, turn it into an income generating business and are super good at it! This is how I’d like to describe this quirky, small business that specialises in hand-painted traditional khussas. With the customisation option available, these khussas can jazz up and add an ethnic twist to any outfit. If any of my friends are reading this, (hint hint), I want this for Christmas!
6. Pk Fashion Fairy
@pkfashionfairy
This small business makes Balochi inspired handmade items including kurtis, shalwars, ralli, and neck pieces etc. However, what really caught my eye are the boho style, vintage bags etc. Colourful, super fun, vibrant and quirky!
Dermatologist, laser specialist and aesthetician Dr. Amna Ahmar of skin clinic Cleo shares her guide to a no-fuss skin routine
Step 1: Sunblock
The first, most important step is the use of sunblock. I’m sure you hear this a lot and to be honest, it is the most important skincare step — one you should never miss! It’s never too late or too early to start add it to your routine. In my opinion, any sunblock should work fine but my favorites include: Cleo Sun Screen, Neutrogena sunblock , Neobrella sunblock, Supergoop, and Shesidox
Step 2: Double Cleanse
Due to the high level of pollution in Pakistan, our skin needs a deep cleanse daily. We’re exposed to smog, dirt and dust all day. The sebum builds up under our masks too. A double cleanse takes literally 2 minutes! Wipe off all the gook on your skin with a Micellar water, followed by a Face Wash. We offer 2 face washed in The Skin Theory products: Acne Wash for oily/acne prone skin and Va Va Voom Face Wash for dry to combination skin.
Step 3: Moisture
No matter what type of skin you have, whether its oily, dry or combination, needs that extra dose of hydration. The artificial environment we live in dries up our skin. Try finding a non-comedogenic, light weight moisturizer. My top favorites would be Cleo Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, Cleo Moisturiser, CeraVe moisturizer and Physiogel lotion.
Step 4: Skin Nutrition
Identify your skin’s need. If you think your skin is dull and lacks glow, add Vitamin C to your regime. If you have acne prone or oily skin, the daily niacinamide serum is the way to go. If you have started noticing irregular texture and wrinkles, incorporate retinol.
Lastly, always remember to apply product on your lips and neck as well!
Start with a single step and gradually build a regular skincare routine. Even though you might see social media full of complicated routines and different serums, the trick is to keep it simple and be regular!
Influencer Sophiya Khan tells us her take on social media, mental health and more
On social media
For me it’s a very positive tool which revolutionized the digital marketplace and created a lot of opportunities for home based workers. At the end of the day it is just a tool which can be used to do good like connecting people, making marketing for small businesses easier and more cost efficient. However, it can be used for the bad. Such as using the platform to spread hate, target individuals, promote negativity etc. So just like any other tool this new age world may give us, it’s up to the individual on how they make use of it.
On family
The most important word in my vocabulary. Family for me is not just a bunch of individuals. It’s also a feeling, a sense of own & belonging. I have found family in some of my friendships and in some of my work relationships. My family is the most important theme in my life, which I’m sad to have started valuing a little later in my life. Be it the family you’re born into or the family you choose – or maybe even a little bit of both – they give you a sense of belonging no other relationship can.
On mental health
It’s the most important version of health that one must take care of. Every morning begins with a thought, just like we end every night with certain thoughts. The first step would be to recognise the power our own thoughts have over our realties and how detrimental they are to shaping our long term lives. Regardless of your own assessment of your mental health, it is absolutely essential to have healthy mechanisms in place to process our thoughts in a productive manner so we can therefore improve our quality of life seamlessly. As well as the role we play in others.
On marriage
Like any other partnership, it’s a choice you make to embark upon a journey with another. If the partnership is able to adapt through tests and trails, improve and grow, I would say it would be worth investing more of yourselves in. However, it’s very common and totally ok if the partnership doesn’t seem to be working out. As an experience on it own, I feel it is a beautiful chapter to embark upon, as we only discover ourselves more in relation to others.
On pets
To be able to care for and receive love from a being so pure and innocent is one of the most rewarding experiences in my opinion. In total I have been privileged and lucky enough to have cared for 5 cats & most recently 2 dogs. Each one of them brought their own unique personalities into my life and made it a better place.
There is charm to be found in traditional Afghani jewelry, especially in its power to make even the simplest of outfits stand out. We love the versatility of Afghani jewelry; wear it to a wedding, with a plain black western top or even a three-piece shalwar kameez, there are plenty of options for all tastes and moods.
Ayesha Omar always has her wardrobe in check. She pairs this black top with a checkered skirt. Comfortable yet trendy.
Amna Hassan Tahir pulls off this bright sweater and coat. We especially love her Chanel belt. Her black heels tie the look together.
Amna Baber stands out in this smart casual look by pairing this cheetah print hot pink top with a light denim.
Sona Rafiq rocks a monochrome look pairing a white oversized shirt with leather pants.
Fatima Hassan sure gets comfortable with this green oversized sweater and simple black tights. Her block heel make the look even more trendy.
Kiran Malik never fails to make a bold style statement. She pairs these contrasting colours together making them stand out. Also, we’re completely obsessed with those neon shoes!
The TV sensation gets candid about acting, anxiety and his journey in Lollywood
Let’s start with your childhood. What was life like growing up?
We were 2 siblings, me and my sister. We grew up in Islamabad. Growing up we were raised by my mother and my grandfather. It was good. It was interesting. I was a big cricket fan. I spent most of my time playing cricket out on the street and I used to love comic books. I used to read lots of comics. Specifically, DC comics. So yeah, it was great.
You were also in boarding school for a while. What was that like?
Yes, I was sent to boarding school in ‘94. I was there till ‘97. I was 9 years old. Of course it is tough. There’s a change of routine. You have to wake up at 5 in the morning. So yeah, it was tough; but I guess every boarder who goes to boarding school has to go through that.
You even wanted to pursue cricket as a proper profession at one point and that didn’t work out. How come?
It didn’t. Actually my grandfather wanted me to compete my studies. He thought that cricket was such a big commitment and that it would interfere with my studies so he wanted me to focus on my studies first.
I read somewhere that your family was not okay with you becoming an actor. How did that feel?
It didn’t feel great. This is back in 2004 when I made the decision I wanted to do this. There were huge fights at our house. Till 2015, it was a constant struggle. Because you know, in our culture, media and actors are looked down upon. Whenever you get the question: ‘Beta what do you do?’ You go like I’m a director and an actor and people go like, ‘No, what do you actually do? What’s your actual job?’ So people don’t even consider it an actual profession or job. There was a lot of back and forth. I was really rebellious. I would sneak out for shoots and stuff. I was locked out of the house so many times by my dad because he’s like if you’re coming back from a shoot you’re not entering the house. But eventually, I feel, most of my family members and family friends who thought oh ye tou zindagi kharab kar raha hai saw me succeed and somehow they were automatically okay with it. It’s such hypocrisy. You think how are you okay with this now? It was a long 10 year journey where I felt like I had no support. The only support I actually felt — and I even spoke about this before — is Poppy (Shayan) She was the owner of Kuch Khaas in Islamabad. At the time, in 2011 I was very ambitious and I was struggling. She gave us home. She made all of us – me, Obi, Shahana believe that we belong somewhere. That we were capable, we were talented, we were creative. She gave us the platform and that’s the only support we got.
You were also a filmmaker at one point.
I still am. That is what I want to be known as. Acting is something that I’m doing. I enjoy acting but I want to primarily direct and make films and stories.
How is filmmaking different from acting? What do you prefer?
I mean I definitely prefer filmmaking. I love telling stories. I’ve always wanted to be a filmmaker; but it’s just the kind of stories I want to tell, they’re not commercial. My creative side doesn’t agree with taking on projects that are super commercial and specially if it’s a narrative that I don’t agree with. That’s one of the reasons I still haven’t done an all out commercial film. I’ve done shorts, I’ve done other stuff but commercially I haven’t. Hopefully, one day inshaAllah.
Your first project as an actor was Janaan. How did that happen?
Actually, no. Fun fact, my first feature was Gol Chakkar. It was a film that was shot in 2010/2011 and that was a total indie project. I had long hair and a beard and kajal in my eyes. I played this character called Shera.
How did you go from there to Janaan? How was that experience?
I mean, there was a 5 year break in the middle where I was just directing music videos and then this movie Janaan came about.
What was your experience like working at a proper Pakistani movie set?
It was interesting. It was intimidating at first. I wasn’t really involved in Janaan because I had a very small role. I was there for 4-5 days maximum. It was intimidating at first and it was also interesting.
In 2019 you starred in your first TV serial Aana, how was that experience different from movies?
It’s so interesting because I had done Parchi and Janaan. Janaan was a great experience. Parchi was very hectic. There were long hours of shooting. I was also DP for that, so for me it was really, really tough. We were running no sleep. We were shooting 36 hours straight. After that, I was doing this drama and I was let go because the production thought I was over weight. We had shot for one whole week, and after that they told me we’re letting you go because you’re over weight. I thought maybe I had made a big mistake choosing this career when this happened. Suddenly, I got a call from HUM saying they wanted to cast me in a production. By that time, I was in depression so I was just eating all the time. At the point that I was let go from the first production, I honestly don’t think I was overweight but I started eating and gained like 30 kilos. So when I got this call from HUM, to play this guy called Altamash I was like have you seen me recently? But we had time. The shoot was supposed to start after 2 months but somehow got delayed by a couple of months and by that time I had lost weight. You know, one thing about HUM is that it’s always felt like home. Even my first drama, I felt so comfortable working with them. They’re all so nice and they’ve always felt like family. They’re very understanding.
Your TV serial Hum Kahan Ke Sachay Thay with Mahira Khan is a big hit but people hate your character. Do you get a lot of hate because of that?
I get a lot of messages saying we hate you Aswad. You need to be hanged. It’s very freaky. They think they directly talk to Aswad. They say things like Aswad you’re horrible to Mehreen. It’s interesting that people get so involved that they cannot differentiate between what’s real and what’s not.
What is Mahira like as a co-star?
It was great working with Mahira. Even Kubra. When you come on set with these guys it doesn’t feel like you’re shooting with big stars because they’re so down to earth. They’re so grounded. By the end of it, it was just like a little family. When we had breaks we were just talking, laughing and joking around.
Out of all of your projects, which one was your favourite?
My favourite project is something we shot recently: Umro Ayyar. It’s just been a passion project. I’ve been an Umro Ayyar fan since I was a kid. Growing up reading comics like DC and then Umro Ayyar was just like like that. I remember when I was in boarding school there was a bookshop there and Ama used to buy me these books: Umro Ayyar stories and Tarzan and Manu ki kahaniyaan and she would read them to me. I never thought that I would even be in a project that’s Umro Ayyar. Being a superhero fan, being in that environment on set was just such a huge pleasure. It was an amazing feeling. So that’s probably one of my favourite projects.
Tell us more about Umro Ayyar…
It’s just amazing. When I was offered this movie it was during quarantine. Asfar, the director, mentioned this project to me back in 2019 because they were working on this project secretly. So it took them a good year to do the pre-production. He had mentioned that he was doing something and that he might get in touch but I had forgotten all about it. September 2020, I get a call from him asking if I can meet him. We sat down at the office and he told me that there’s a project; a movie called Umro Ayyar and I said I’m in. I didn’t even ask what role, I just said I’m in. It was an amazing experience working with all these people. Faran Tahir is such a great human being and such a great actor. He was in Iron man. I saw that movie and I couldn’t believe that I was going to be acting with him. I had some action sequences with Faran Bhai that I just couldn’t do because I was so intimidated. But Faran Bhai was so kind. He was like, no this is your job. You need to do this. Sanam is a great actor too and I’ve mentioned this so many times in the past. The two actors that I would love to work with are Sanam and Sajal. Sanam I got to work with. Ali Kazmi is a great actor and even Manzar Sahab. It’s just amazing to work with all these people.
You recently got married. How’s the married life going?
Its amazing. We were friends before we got married. And I think that friendship really matters. There’s never a dull moment these days. We’re always joking around. We’re cooking, we’re eating, we’re watching movies. So, its amazing. It’s a great time that I’ve spent in the last month.
Does your wife ever get tired of all your travelling and working? Does she ever come with you?
No no. She tou actually says go, work! She can’t travel because she has work. I have really bad flight anxiety. I try to drive to Karachi every time I have to do a project. This time around I can’t because there was a really short notice. I have to take a flight. So I said to her, “Listen, I can’t do this alone. Can you come with me?†So I’m dragging her with me because I can’t do it alone.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Again, I don’t know. I mean, I wish and I hope that I keep doing what I love doing and that I keep doing projects that people love. But again, I don’t know what’s going to happen in 5 years. In 2018, we never thought we would be in a pandemic in 2020. So, you never know what’s going to happen. But I’d really like it if in the next five years I get to make my feature and I get to do some interesting projects.
What advice do you have for young people who wants to be actors/filmmakers but might be struggling right now?
There are so many kids that are filmmakers and they come up to me and tell me they don’t have opportunities and they’ve struggled for a couple of years and say they want to quit. I keep telling them all of them, I say listen, do not quit. It took me 11 years to kind of, somehow, be in the mainstream media. It was a long journey. You need to put in the hard work. Don’t lose hope. Don’t be disheartened. Work hard and don’t sell out and InshaAllah you’ll get there.
Photography: Naba Khalid
Wardrobe: Rici Melion
Hair and Styling: Nabila Islamabad
Coordination: Mahnoor Zahid
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