For the modern-chic bride who prefers going the minimal route — bid adieu to boring and undistinguished looks, as the era of experimental silhouettes, distinct styling and vivid colours is here
Designer: Hira Ali Studios
Photography: Zahra Sarfaraz at Centaur One
Makeup: Toni & Guy
Models: Meher Janjua, Anushka Qizilbash & Sania Ahmed
Location: Gaddafi Open Air Theatre
Art Direction: Aniqa Fatima
Styling: Maryam Raja
Jewellery: Hayalutfullah, Jewelicious & Traditional Jewellery
Nasir Zaka met Abdur Rehman at a singing competition. After the two linked up, Nasir spent a week with Abdur Rehman working on his technique and honing his skill. Thereafter, Nasir introduced Abdur to his band ‘Crackdown’ and it is at this point that they came together and formed a new band — ‘AUJ’.
Auj comprises of Nasir Zaka, Syed Hasnain Ali, Muhammad Kashif, and Abdur Rehman Sajid. The word “Auj” means the epitome of height – it is the limit of all feelings and senses – and as there isn’t any quantifiable limit to them, that is what music means to the band members of Auj. It is clear how dedicated they have been in their decade long journey by the fact that the members had to sell off most of their equipment to pay for the studio recording of their first original song, “Lafz” back in 2009.
After performing numerous original songs in Pepsi BoB, and ultimately winning the contest, Auj has been reaching new heights in their journey. Pepsi BoB has helped them amass a huge fan following and has indeed made them the new rock giant on the horizon of the Pakistani music landscape. Auj is currently recording their original album and shooting a music video, all with Pepsi BoB as a pillar support.
Buckle up folks! It’s winter in Pakistan and that means you’ll all soon be drowning in wedding invitations (if you aren’t already). Although weddings now take place throughout the year, the winter season still maintains a firm grip on festivities. The cooler temperatures allow us all to be decked out in our finest, without having to worry about sweating to death while we wait for the tedium of an event to be over. I for one quite enjoy winter weddings, as they give me the chance to don some of the most beautiful shawls that I’ve appropriated from my dear grandmother. But how many of us can honestly say that we enjoy these elaborate affairs?
Attending weddings has become a chore, one that many continue to crib about as they sit in a corner eating a piece of naan, waiting to go home. Obviously, when it’s the ceremony of a close friend or family member it’s a wholly different feeling. Depending on how close you are to the bride or groom you want to make their special day (days I should say) near-perfect for them; but when it’s just an acquaintance, the long-winded affairs can become quite monotonous. With events getting grander and bigger in scale every year, I’ve compiled a list of wedding “don’ts†that can help hosts organise a more palatable event for the several hundred guests they’ll be inviting.
Let’s face it, most of you have private accounts and having a trending hashtag wedding is just not possible, unless you’re a major influencer or person of note (or if you have a bunch of blogger friends). But forcing your friends to constantly use a hashtag that at best sounds like a bad coupon code is not cool anymore. If you’re using the hashtag to scroll through social media to see what other people posted about your wedding, then why bother hiring professional photographers who’re going to document every.single.thing. Do away with the hashtag — period.
Personally I believe weddings are supposed to be an intimate affair where all those in attendance can feel included and enjoy being there for the bride and groom (or the aunt who invited them because it would have been a social faux pas not to). The sheer scale of weddings, where walking from the dance floor to the food area is a chore in itself, should be done away with for good. Talk to your event planner and come up with something cosy. Also, let’s definitely do away with the theatrics — you certainly do not need to enter inside a cake or create a fake river on which you and your hubby will glide in on a fake boat!
Itinerary (No)
Talking about over-the-top weddings, please bear in mind that you’re not the only ones getting married. While you should definitely enjoy your special week, there’s no need to force half the city to be there with you at every turn. Your friends and loved ones will obviously show up to the 12-day extravaganza you’ve curated for them, but face facts, they won’t be happy about it. Combine events wherever you can, especially when the purpose of several events overlaps. Inconveniencing your guests by making them run around trying to find twelve different outfits they’ve not worn before is not nice at all.
Dance practices are an essential part of any wedding, no doubt about that. But they’re a chance for you to have fun with your loved ones, not to boss people around in the hopes of winning a “competition.†Also, if it is a competition, what are you winning? Oops, did I just give another bad idea?
Many brides and grooms turn into absolute crazed individuals, yelling at the top of their voices, frantically messaging in WhatsApp groups, marking attendance and forcing people into the most contrived dances ever. Almost everyone who shows up to a dance practice is there because they want to have fun. Don’t take that away from them and make them resent you.
This one is mostly for my colleagues in the media industry. A lot of us have access to designer wear that we can borrow for attending weddings — and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, don’t be disingenuous and pretend you own all the heirloom pieces that were created in Pakistan. Let your followers know that you’re showcasing a designer’s outfit; many laypeople around me assume that designer wear is the only way to go for weddings and many of your followers probably feel inadequate that they can’t wear such inaccessible outfits to every occasion. Honesty is most definitely the best policy.
These are just some of the thoughts that come to me as soon as the first wedding invitation is dropped off. I’m not against you having fun and celebrating your big day with as much dhoom-dhaam as you want, but please remember to include others as well. Don’t make your big day a burden on others. If you have any further suggestions, please drop me a line on my Twitter or DM us on our Instagram.
Some stray observations:
l              Dowry is still a big no-no
l              Limited prepared dances please, we all want to dance as well
l              Epilepsy inducing lights on the dance floor should be banned
l              Thank all your friends for participating
l              Remember to have fun yourself!
Heartthrob Bilal Ashraf made jaw drops with his fitness transformation that premiered with his film Superstar.
Here he speaks with Mehek Raza Rizvi about the gruelling process and what being fit means to him
The last time we spoke, you mentioned how hard you were training to get fitter for your role in Superstar. The effort has evidently paid off and you’ve received a lot of praise for it. How does it feel to have achieved your goal?
Well, I don’t know about praise, but it does feel great to have accomplished something I put hard work in. The fitness of my character, Sameer Khan, or the song “Dharak Bharak†may seem like a very small aspect of the movie in its entirety, but it took a year to achieve.
It’s always good to be healthy and in shape, so it’s something that benefited me on a personal level too. At the end of the day, nothing tastes as good as a six-pack feels.
Run us through your training routine. What specific role did diet play in the process?
My training routine looked different every day, based on my work schedule. There were days I trained three times a day, but then there were also days I skipped. In fact, the last 20-21 days I couldn’t train at all, because I was constantly shooting “Superstar†and had no energy by the time I would get done.
To be completely honest, I’d say training is definitely important, but only 20%-30% of the process. The real key is nutrition. I was on a very strict diet with limited water, controlled food and no sugar. It’s pretty scientific and calculated. All credit goes to my trainer, Faisal Shafi, for pushing and pulling me in the right direction.
Was working on your fitness a requirement communicated to you by the makers of the film or was this a personal impulse?
It was a bit of both. My director, Ehtesham bhai and producer, Momina Duraid, both thought it would add an interesting facet to Sameer’s character. I was on the same page.
How did you stay motivated? What advice would you give others to stay on track?
The easiest way to stay motivated is to set a goal and then determine a timeline for it. It could be for anything—getting fit, achieving something in your professional or personal life—whatever it is that you want to work on. Start working backwards once you have your eyes set on the end result and it’ll help you stay focused. That’s what worked for me. Although, I wish I had more time to rest while I was on my fitness journey. Off days are extremely important when trying to build a physique, but I think that’s where Faisal really held me together.
How do you feel life has changed after adopting a healthier lifestyle?
I’ve packed on a few kilos now that the film is out and I’m not being as careful with my diet. However, once you know what it feels like to be fit and wake up with a six-pack every day, you can never completely go back to old, unhealthy patterns. Your mind is constantly pushing you to beat your last accomplishment and set new goals.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle has been life changing for sure. I have more energy, I feel less lethargic and get more done in a day. Honestly, I don’t crave junk food or anything unhealthy anymore. It’s not just about looking a certain way, being cognisant of what you’re consuming is valuable for your heart, your mind and every other bodily function. Feeling stronger is a great feeling.
When celebrities give in to the pressure of looking a certain way, it curbs the conversation on body positivity. How do you respond to that criticism?
If an actor loses or gains weight for a role, they’re just doing their job. It’s our responsibility to do justice to the project we’ve signed and get into character to the best of our abilities. In no way does it signify we endorse body exclusivity. Our transformations may also be temporary, just to fit the characters we portray. The intention is never to set an ideal or make the audience feel pressured. At the end of the day we’re playing someone else on camera, not ourselves.
“It’s our responsibility to do justice to the project we’ve signed and get into character to the best of our abilities. In no way does it signify we endorse body exclusivityâ€
What’s next after Superstar?
Lots of travelling and rest. I also want to give time to my family.
Is not appearing on TV a conscious decision? Can your fans expect to see you in a drama serial any time soon?
It’s not a conscious decision. If I’m offered a drama serial that touches my heart, of course I’ll do it. As of now, however, I haven’t come across anything that I felt as strongly about, as I do about cinema.
So many celebrities went public with their relationships this year. Is marriage on the cards for you anytime soon?
I guess you’ll have to wait and find out!
Janaan, Yalghaar, Rangreza or Superstar?
Superstar
Mahira Khan, Armeena Khan or Urwa Hocane – your favourite costar?
Mahira Khan
Biggest lesson you learnt this year?
No matter how much you promote a film, or how big a cast you have, at the end of the day, good content is all that counts
A secret trick you use to ward off the nerves before a shoot?
Listening to good music and surrounding myself with the right kind of people
Favourite song from Superstar?
“Bekaraan.†It was the first song we shot and also the first time I shared screen space with Mahira
“At the end of the day, nothing tastes as good as a six-pack feelsâ€
And dialogue?
“Kisi cheez ko pakray rakhna – umeed; kisi cheez ko chorh dena – yaqeen†(To keep holding on to something is hope; letting go of it is faith)
Who would you say are your closest friends in the industry?
I’ve become very close to my “Superstar†family – Ehtesham bhai, Mahira, Azaan Sami Khan and everyone else. Apart from them, Gohar Rasheed is very dear to me, as are Armeena Khan and Kubra Khan
The last time you lost your cool?
During a promotional shoot for “Superstar.†It was a really stressful day and we were functioning on very little sleep
The most outrageous rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
That I’m married and have children
Interview by Mehek Raza Rizvi
Photography by Shahbaz Shazi
Most of us have the urge to get fit, but very few have the motivation to follow through. What drove you to adopt a healthy lifestyle?Â
The moment I turned thirty, I realised being overweight made me susceptible to multiple health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure and knee/joint pains. The thought of having to deal with any of the aforementioned ailments or letting the quality of life I lead get affected is what scared and motivated me to get into shape.
How often do you work out and what exactly do you do at the gym?
For the first six to eight months I used to workout five days a week, but now I’ve cut it down to three days a week. My training includes a combination of everything and I seriously never know what my trainer has planned for the day. I trust him completely and he decides what exercises I should be doing.
Did you make any major changes in your relationship with food?Â
Diet is the main element if you want to shed weight. I strongly believe 80% of the process includes monitoring nutrition, while 20% is exercise. I didn’t follow any specific diet plan but changed my eating habits completely. I’ve shifted to healthier options and avoid carbs. You need to do something that’s sustainable and make it a lifestyle.
What’s your take on fad diets like keto?Â
I haven’t tried keto myself, but know people who have and the results are phenomenal. Personally, I don’t think fad diets are for me though; they just don’t make sense or appeal to me. I feel there are no shortcuts if you want long-term results.
Drastic transformations involve a change in your lifestyle for good, so it’s better to adopt eating habits that are realistic and maintainable.
Your transformation is incredible. How long did it take you to get to your current weight?Â
I’ve been working out regularly since two years and started watching what I eat a year and a half ago. Weight loss isn’t an overnight process.
Do you still have any fitness goals to achieve?Â
Yes, of course. I want to lose another ten kilos.
Have you managed to drop a steady amount each month or were there times it got frustrating?
It gets frustrating every now and then. For example, my weight hasn’t dropped in the past five months. It’s like I’m stuck. One can’t lose hope and give up though.
How do you manage to remain consistent? Are there days you lose motivation?Â
There are definitely days when I feel lazy. However, if I end up skipping a day at the gym, I try to make up for it by controlling my diet more than usual and not eating carbs at all.
How do you think your life has changed after your transformation?Â
I was always very comfortable in my skin, even when I was overweight. So I wouldn’t say my confidence got a boost, but I’ve seen an immense change in how people view me now.
What advice would you give to those struggling with their weight?
You need to be consistent and ready to work hard. There’s no magic potion or shortcut to losing weight. Change your entire lifestyle and make peace with it.
Interview by Mehek Raza Rizvi
Who says gymwear has to be boring? With fitness being on everyone’s mind nowadays, athleisure is on the rise. Browse through for some funky looks
Models: Arsalan Ihsan & Tara Rajput
Concept & Photography: Arslan Manzoor at 360 Degrees
Wardrobe: MANGO at AK Galleria, Haraka & Koyo by Lulusar
Styling: Areesha Chaudhry
Hair & Makeup: Mansoor Khan at 360 degrees
Coordination: Murrad Rahim Khan at 360 Degrees
Tell us about your training and area of expertise.
I’m a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. I did my training from Vikasa Yoga in Koh Samui, Thailand in 2017. I’m certified in Hatha & Vinyasa.
What would your advice be to someone working on improving their stamina?
Consistency is key. In order to reap the benefits that yoga provides, one must try to establish consistency in their yoga practice. To gain benefits like improved stamina, increased strength and flexibility, one should aim to practice yoga three or four times a week.
“Abs are made in the kitchen,†they say. What’s your take on diet vs. exercise?
Diet and exercise are both crucial for our physical and mental wellbeing.
Losing weight, increasing strength, increasing flexibility, increase in energy, stress relief are some of the reasons why people want to show up to a yoga class. No matter what our goal is, it’s the combination of both that leads to a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Do you recommend fad diets like keto?
I personally feel one should have eating habits which are sustainable in the long run and can help improve your health.
A balanced diet is important and if you’re looking to lose weight, it comes from the amount of calories you’re consuming. Also, not every diet works for everyone so one should do their research and consult an expert before jumping onto a bandwagon.
For people with busy schedules (or those who are lazy) what’s the best workout to do at home in 30 mins?
Start off with some pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) to help calm your body and senses for five to ten mins. Tune into the physical body by practicing Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) afterwards. It’s a great way to energise. There are a series of postures that warm up, strengthen, align, help increase blood circulation and improve heart health. Four to five rounds of Sun Salutations can be done daily if you’re a beginner and you can gradually go up to as many as you can comfortably practice.
Dedicate the last five to ten minutes to meditation, where you breathe, bring awareness to your thoughts and feelings and learn to observe them without judgement.
Practicing this routine daily would not only help you feel energised, but also help you feel calm, centred and happy.
In your opinion, what’s the single best change someone can make for their health?
I feel the best change one can make for their health is to strike a good work/life balance. Get enough rest to be able to deal with all the challenges life throws at you the next day. Make time for yourself, it’s important. Eat well. Sleep well. Do yoga. Repeat.
Tell us about your training and area of expertise.
I started training for Mixed Martial Arts when I was sixteen years old, trained for it for six years and then later fell in love with lifting weights. I have an ISSA certification for personalised training sessions.
What would your advice be to someone working on improving their stamina?Â
Consistency is key. Show up every day and give it your all, you’re bound to get results.
“Abs are made in the kitchen,†they say. What’s your take on diet vs. exercise?Â
The process to getting fitter involves 70% nutrition and 30% exercise
Do you recommend fad diets like keto?Â
Not at all, unless you want to shed weight fast for a something temporarily. If you want a long-term transformation, these diets are pointless because they can’t be sustained. Try opting for a lifestyle change rather than a quick fix.
For people with busy schedules (or those who are lazy) what’s the best workout to do at home in 30 mins?Â
100 Jumping jacks
Squats 5 x 15
Push ups 5 x 12
Planks 45 seconds x 3
Finish these off with core exercises
In your opinion, what’s the single best change someone can make for their health?
Drink more water.
Tell us about your training and area of expertise.
I do an amalgamation of high-intensity cardio and strength training. My main area of expertise is group exercise training.
What would your advice be to someone working on improving their stamina?Â
I can’t emphasise on this enough — consistency is key. If you’re regular and focused, there’s nothing you can’t achieve.
“Abs are made in the kitchen,†they say. What’s your take on diet vs. exercise?Â
Diet contributes 80% to your fitness journey. Working out only facilitates the goal. You could workout four hours every day but if your eating patterns are unhealthy, all other effort will be futile.
So yes, It’s true, abs really are made in the kitchen.
Do you recommend fad diets like keto?Â
Absolutely not. Anything you can’t sustain long-term acts as a shock to your system and lowers immunity. It’s a pity to see people rely on fad diets. They don’t realise the adverse ways in which they’re ruining their health and quality of life. Getting in shape requires a lifestyle change. There are no shortcuts.
For people with busy schedules (or those who are lazy) what’s the best workout to do at home in 30 mins?Â
You should be your number one priority. Sparing forty to sixty minutes out of twenty-four hours shouldn’t be a problem — it’s essential.
Running is the best workout one can do outside the gym. Believe it or not, a good 30-minute run really does transform your day. If you don’t have the space to run, do three rounds of burpees & mountain climbers, forty sets for each exercise — repeat thrice.
In your opinion, what’s the single best change someone can make for their health?Â
Getting the right amount of sleep at the same time of the day, every day. People who have irregular sleeping patterns are cutting decades from their lives and will always be struggling with weak immunity. As soon as you start getting that right, literally everything related to your health starts falling into place.
Tell us about your training and area of expertise.
FZM Boutique Fitness has always been about fusion and offering a range of training modalities under one roof. It’s meant to be a one-stop solution: we offer 67 different types of classes alongside lifestyle and nutritional coaching. I am an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and hold 48 fitness certifications: from Reformer Pilates, to Zumba, to Olympic lifting, to Pre and Post Natal wellness and many more. We recently introduced bungee fitness in Pakistan and as a Master Trainer, I will be holding certifications for aspiring professionals in the market. We are also the first ones to introduce European EMS (electronic muscle stimulation) technology, which allows clients to get the benefit of a 90 min workout in 20 minutes; it’s completely safe and shockingly effective. Two 20-min sessions per week are all you need for transformative results. Finally, I would also like to highlight the importance of smart training, rehabilitation and even pre-hab. I am a trained sports massage therapist and a mobility and myofascial release coach representing RAD Mobility, USA, in Pakistan. We also offer physiotherapy and therapeutic training because 90% of clients have muscular imbalances and postural misalignments that can lead to injury if unaddressed.
What would your advice be to someone working on improving their stamina?Â
Don’t ignore weight training. You’ll get fitter faster if you lift and do cardio. High intensity Interval training is also great to build up your stamina.
“Abs are made in the kitchen,†they say. What’s your take on diet vs. exercise?Â
As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (IIN, New York), I have a holistic approach to wellness. I don’t believe in ‘diets’ and ‘exercise.’ It’s about creating a lifestyle that nourishes your body and training that you enjoy. Don’t sign up for Zumba if you enjoy weight training or yoga. Find something you love, and stick to it. Likewise, don’t do keto or silly restrictive diets that will put you in a vicious yo-yo weight loss and gain cycle. Find healthy foods that you love, do your research. Consistency is what gives you abs for life.
Do you recommend fad diets like keto?Â
I believe I answered that above. Never do fad diets because they kill your metabolism and the weight ends up coming back.
For people with busy schedules (or those who are lazy) what’s the best workout to do at home in 30 mins?Â
30 minutes is actually all you need. Do 100 burpees. It’s a full body exercise and the best go-to for a quick yet efficient workout.
In your opinion, what’s the single best change someone can make for their health?
Be positive. Love your body and understand that bringing yourself down won’t accomplish anything. Fitness is about becoming the best version of you. It’s all about bio-individuality so what worked for someone else will not always work for you. Take time to understand your body rather than starving or punishing it.
Tell us about your training and area of expertise.
Being a competitive athlete meant staying in good shape was always an integral part of my life. I began Spartan Fitness with the aim to help other people who were looking to achieve similar fitness goals. As a trainer, I have 27 certifications and have come to believe in a simple philosophy – balance is key.
I teach my Spartans a combination of specialised functional fitness. I like to give them individual attention and encourage them to focus their energies on adopting a healthier lifestyle instead of fixating over a certain aesthetic. I try to inculcate strong fundamentals through good mechanics in my workout sessions because that’s what fitness is for me — being comfortable in your skin, being able to challenge your limits and feeling stronger as a result (both mentally and physically).
I’m not a big fan of boot camps and extreme programmes, as they’re breeding grounds for injury and bad exercise ethics with no sustainable outcomes.
What would your advice be to someone working on improving their stamina and strength?
I believe in spacing out cardio and strength training by dedicating separate days for each. In the pursuit of achieving a lean and athletic physique, you need to be able to give form of exercise your 100 percent. By splitting your focus, you also divide the amount of energy you dedicate to each activity. If you do weight training on Monday, followed by interval cardio on Tuesday, your body is able to recover overnight so it can perform at its peak during the Wednesday workout. If you must do a training mash-up, I suggest doing weights first, then cardio. If you do cardio first, it uses up much of the energy source for your anaerobic work (strength training) and fatigues the muscles before their most strenuous activity.
“Abs are made in the kitchen,†they say. What’s your take on diet vs. exercise?Â
Like anything worth achieving in life, getting a six-pack takes both work and knowledge. Doing 1000 crunches and 1 hour of cardio a day won’t help you see your abdominal muscles any faster if you don’t make the right changes to your diet. First, determine your body composition goals. If your goal is to lose fat and gain more definition, then you’re going to have to eat at a calorie deficit. If your goal is to increase lean body mass and lose fat, then your diet and exercise regimen may look different.
At the end of the day, the best exercise/nutritional plan is the one that is sustainable. Once you find the right approach for you, you can make it a lifelong habit.
Do you recommend fad diets like keto?Â
Not at all. Not only does it make your meals less fun and cooking more difficult, it also deprives you of essential nutrients, while setting you up for failure.
With all the side effects and complications this diet has, I’m truly surprised by the popularity it has gained — it’s unbelievably unhealthy and unappetising.
It’s also not easy to get into ketosis, which means many people don’t even truly accomplish it. I’ll always recommend a balanced, nutritious diet over a restrictive, potentially dangerous one.
For people with busy schedules (or those who are lazy) what’s the best workout to do at home in 30 mins?Â
You may not have time to go to the gym, but you can still be physically active and boost your metabolism.
Take the kids for a walk or just go by yourself. If you’re accompanied by someone whose pace is too slow, add some lunges, jumping jacks, or running in place every few minutes.
Always take the stairs instead of the elevator, practice stretching or light yoga moves, do push-ups or sit-ups before going for a shower.
In your opinion, what’s the single best change someone can make for their health?
Consistency is everything. I can’t stress enough on understanding the importance of time when striving to create the perfect physique. I’ve seen people train for a couple months, get discouraged by their slow progress, and quit before seeing what they’re capable of achieving.
If you want a good built, get yourself ready for a marathon at a long thousand mile road. If you train unswervingly and eat clean, there’s no way you won’t maximise your potential and speed up your journey drastically.
