Digital media sensation, Shahveer Jafry, speaks to Mehek Raza Rizvi about life off and on camera
When you first started vlogging, did you think of taking it up as a full-time career?
I started making comedy videos as a hobby and I would still call it one. I’m lucky to be doing what I love. I believe digital media is going to get even bigger in the future, so it’s definitely a sustainable career choice.
What was your breakout moment?
I have a few good videos, however, I’m still waiting for a “breakout moment.â€
Tell us about the “Wolf Crew.†How did the idea of building a team occur to you?
It’s true when they say you’re only as good as your team. I learnt at a young age that it’s important to surround yourself with individuals who can help you grow and achieve the goals you’ve set out for yourself. I wouldn’t be where I am without the energy my team adds to my videos.
“I learnt at a young age that it’s important to surround yourself with individuals who can help you grow and achieve the goals you’ve set out for yourselfâ€
Why do some of the recurring faces suddenly go missing from your vlogs?
I’ve generally been very lucky with the people who I’ve worked with, including the ones that aren’t part of the team anymore. Sometimes, however, you find your goals and paths differ. That being said, behind the scenes, we all remain good friends.
You conceptualise, record and edit your videos yourself. How much time goes into the production of each video? Run us through the creative process.
Each video takes a few days to shoot and a full day to edit. I wake up everyday not knowing what I’ll be vlogging that day. I tend to go with the flow.
You’re based in Canada but your main audience is Pakistani. Do you think of that as a limitation?
I don’t think of it as a limitation at all, because my audience enjoys watching a Pakistani staying true to his desi roots while living in Canada. However, personally I do find making videos in Pakistan a lot more fulfilling.
Most of your audience consists of teenagers and you’ve spoken of them as your biggest asset. What’s the key to remaining relatable?
Having a younger audience is a blessing since they grow up with you. You end up becoming a part of their daily lives. I try my best to make family-friendly content, with a lot of energy to keep my self relatable to the younger audience.
“My audience enjoys watching a Pakistani staying true to his desi roots while living in Canadaâ€
Despite the recent drama surrounding Pakistani YouTubers, you’ve managed to stay fairly calm. What are your thoughts on that?
I’ve realised over time that reacting to drama only drags you down. I try to stay away from it.
“Mama Jafry†seems to have become a brand in itself through your vlogs. Tell us about your relationship with your mother.
I featured Mama Jafry in one of my vlogs and people absolutely loved her. Like every mother and son, we share a special bond. She keeps me humble and grounded, yet motivates me to dream big.
What is Shahveer Jafry like behind the camera?
Exactly as he is infront of the camera, except much slimmer. Everytime someone meets me in person, they tell me I’m much slimmer than they had expected.
“ If my dreams come true, people will see me in cinemas for sureâ€
Is it true that you’ll be moving to Pakistan soon?
Yes, it’s true and I’m looking forward to it.
Where do you hope to take your career in the coming years? Is acting on the cards?
Contributing towards the growth and betterment of the Pakistani film industry is the goal. If my dreams come true, people will see me in cinemas for sure.
Short & Sweet
Funniest crew member?
Ali bhai
Which crew member offers the best advice?
Fatima
The one crew member who always messes up a script
Ali bhai
Which crew member are you closest to?
All of them
A habit of yours that annoys your team?
I’m a perfectionist
Describe the following crew members in one word:
Sunny: Hilarious
Rooh: Model material
Fatima: Boss
Ali bhai: Gumshuda
PK: Adventurous
What’s your relationship status?
Forever single. I think I’ll die single too
Your biggest strength?
My resilience
Photography: Aadil at Guddu Shani
Project management: Batool at Guddu Shani
Hair & Makeup for western look: Toni & Guy
Hair & Makeup for eastern look: Tooba at Guddu Shani
Styling for Shahveer, Rooh & Sunny: Shamail Butt
Styling for Fatima & Aniqa: Mehek Raza Rizvi
Wardrobe: MANGO, Zuria Dor & Bareeze Man
Location: Al-Fatah
Over three hundred million tons of plastic is produced annually. 50% of this is for single-use purposes, after which it remains on the planet as waste for at least several hundred years. More than eight million tons of this is dumped into our oceans. Photograhper Mohsin Khawar puts together an editorial to raise awareness.
Photography: Mohsin Khawar
Talent: Mehrunnisa, Bilal, Shakeeb & Shahnam
Art direction: Aysha Mohsin
Hair & makeup: Sonia Nazir
When did you first realise you want to be a fashion designer?
It was just written in my fate
First outfit you designed?
For a friend’s sister for Rs. 3500
Three skills one needs to survive in fashion.
- Imagination
- Vision
- Craft
Describe fashion weeks in 3 words?
- Ostentatious
- Theatrical
- Fun
How do you react to fashion being called frivolous, wasteful and indulgent?
All of this works for me. I made a career out of it
Apart from yourself, which Pakistani designers Do you think are doing admirable work?
Faraz Manan and Elan
Favourite models from the current lot?
Zara Abid
Who would you say is your muse?
Meesha Shafi
How do you react to knockoffs?
*Eye Roll*
A Fashion trend you can’t stand?
Patiala shalwar
Your response to those who call your personal style over the top?
I hope they get well soon
Last impulsive buy?
Fenty Block-T glasses
Your most prized item of clothing or accessory?
I wear my pride and that has no price tag
Describe the Ali Xeeshan bride?
Royalty meets cool
Where do you hope to see your brand in the next few years?
Operating from all fashion capitals of the world
Stuck in a style rut? Let the experts give you a lesson in styling staples every woman should own. This fortnight, the fashion savvy, Maryam Raja, styles three summer looks. Ladies, take note
Bag: Zara
Photography: Ali Agha
Hair & Makeup: Numra Waqas
Coordination: Mehek Raza Rizvi
A certified Project Management Professional and a Software Engineer by profession, Shehar Bano Rizvi is a Pakistani expat living in Qatar since 15 years. She speaks to Sana Zehra about the home she has painstakingly curated for her family
Was there a specific theme you had in mind while designing your house?
The house is actually a rental, but when my husband, Mohsin, and I came for a viewing we fell in love with the location and the floor plan. The house has an open feel, which is what we fell for, especially the indoor Juliet balconies.
Plus, it checked most of our requirements: four bedrooms, a study, three living spaces, a kitchen, a dining room and a huge entryway.
Although it’s a big house, I always feel connected and can keep an eye on what’s going on. I’m also absolutely in love with the high ceilings and huge windows.
Who did the interior?
When we first rented the house, it was furnished but definitely not my style. I completely redid it. From painting walls to doing the interiors, I managed it all by myself. I took risks and painted some of the walls in very dark colors (moss green and dark blue accent walls). I love how they add so much personality to each room.
What part of setting up your space did you enjoy the most?
I enjoyed decorating every single room and corner of the house. I took my time to slowly build it up. Our home is not full of expensive pieces, but everything has a story behind it— an emotional connection, nostalgia or a reminder of our Pakistani roots. Our home reflects who we are as individuals and as a family, it shows where we come from and where we live now — every corner in our home tells the story of our journey.
What’s the best compliment your house has received?
What most people appreciate is how personalised our home décor is. It’s not like a picture from a home magazine or catalogue with expensive pieces. We have DIY’s and lots of IKEA furniture which give it the warmth of a home.
I think the best compliment was from the editor of Apartment Therapy Magazine. She said she was surprised to see how I created a high-end look with the robust amount of IKEA furniture, mixed with other purchases (including family antiques).
Which room in your house do you spend the most time in and why?Â
Most of my time is spent in my office/studio, where I do photo shoots, meetings or blog work in the morning. Once the kids are back from school, we spend time downstairs in the kids play room, kitchen or family room. After they’re in bed (around 7:30 pm) Mohsin, and I are back in my studio. He reads his books or writes something perched on the sofa, while I write or work on my photos at my desk. We hardly watch TV on weekdays and spend our evenings doing something creative.
How often do you entertain?
Believe it or not, almost every weekend. Mohsin and I are both homebodies, so instead of going out for entertainment, we would rather have friends over for lunch or tea. I love to cook for and entertain our close group of friends.
Since Mohsin chairs the Pakistan Professional Forum in Qatar, we host formal dinners and gatherings very often.
Is there music in the house, a love of books, the arts, frank discussion?
Art, music and culture are an integral part of who we are and what we enjoy as individuals and as a family.
Being a photographer, a lot of my own work is up on the walls. I love gallery walls and have lots of them around the house. Most of it is my own photography. I do collect paintings, but more than just expensive art pieces, I love to create my own. I have my mother’s paintings up too, which are more than 50 years old.
Mohsin, on the other hand, is very patriotic with a love for the Urdu language, adab and Pakistani art and culture. You’ll find a lot of pieces from back home, in every corner of our home. I also love art pieces from Artel by Bina Ali and Saad Peerzada Design Studios, as their art work and furniture pieces remind me of our roots back in Pakistan.
Even the family room wall was painted in white and green to be a symbolic representation of the Pakistani flag.
We have a big collection of books. However, my husband and IÂ have totally different interests when it comes to our literary choices. He is an Urdu poet, but works in technology and finance, so our collection of books includes Urdu poetry and adab, finance, technology, photography, cooking, biographies, geo- political history, arts and cultural publications.
Music is also an integral part of our household and we have a little music corner in our house with a few instruments. Both my husband and daughter are musically gifted.
I also have a lot of DIY art work in the house. My most favorite is the one I created in memory of my father who lost his battle to Cancer. He was an ophthalmologist and a philanthropist. I love the feeling of having his essence around the house for my kids to learn about him and know him more.
Describe a perfect day in your house?
A perfect day to me is a slow Friday at home. A home-cooked brunch with close friends and family, followed by tea in the garden while the children play in the yard. The day ends with a nice movie while I’m cuddled up on the couch with my children and some popcorn.
What do you think makes a happy home?
Harmony, not just in home décor and aesthetics, but amongst the individuals living together. Another important thing is gratitude. It brings a sense of calm that reflects in your house. I also strongly believe that the sentimental value of artifacts is always more important than their price tag- that’s what makes them beautiful.
From “Besharam” and “Baaghi” to “Cheekh,” her journey has been beyond remarkable. Saba Qamar embodies a woman who is fearless and principled; she’s a voice that can’t be ignored. Here’s a tribute to her indomitable strength and the powerful characters she portrays on screen
Production, Concept & Photography: Centaur One
Coordination: Meshal Cheema
Makeup: Razeen
The fact that social media runs our lives might just be the biggest understatement of the 21st Century (at least so far). Ever since the invention of the internet, technological integration in our lives has increased rapidly. This snowball started gathering speed with the advent of smartphones and online social platforms. Now it’s become an almost indispensable part of our daily routine. We use social media to not only interact with friends, but also to stay up-to-date with news and trends, to humour ourselves with memes, for entertainment, to shop and to even find love.
Long gone are the days of dial-up internet, where it would take ages to simply log on. We only had access to handful of avenues for digital interaction, MSN Messenger, Myspace and Orkut to name a few. We are currently inundated with a plethora of apps to choose from and every day newer ones are being created to distract us from the monotony of our lives. The power of social media and the connectivity it brings with it is such that even workplaces are being merged with it. Facebook, in fact, has a whole platform dedicated to creating more efficient online work experiences called (quite unimaginatively I must add) Workplace. Moreover, apps such as Slack are now being used frequently by teams to interact with each other online.
What this does is bring about increased access to those around us and the world at large. However, it definitely brings problems with it as well. I’m not going to go into a long-winded debate here about the merits of social media versus its faults; what I’m going to do is talk about how those who wish to take a break from this constant need to be “online” can achieve their goal.
Recently, I find myself repeating the same thing: “I would like to go on a social media detox.” We all know detoxes are all the rage with us millennials. So while we invest a lot of time and energy (and money) in our juice cleanses for a cleaner body, we ignore the most important detox of all: the mental one. We’re all aware of the pernicious effects of social media on our mental health, so it’s only fair that we occasionally try to reboot our systems. However, we’re quite unable to — that is the deep integration of tech in our lives.
Just the other day I was having this discussion with our Editor-in-Chief, Mehek Raza Rizvi, where I once again mentioned my need for a social media detox. She nodded assent, but also pointed out that although this is a thought she consistently has, it’s quite hard to execute. I understood her point; with the extent to which we rely on social media, going on a detox can be daunting. Even when we’re on holiday, we find ourselves on one app or the other. So perhaps what needs to be changed is the way we use social media, rather than abandoning it entirely (and failing miserably at it).
Therefore, this fortnight I’ll be guiding you on ways to make simple adjustments to your lives that can allow for a reduction in your active digital time. The funny thing is that the tools for such a task are built into our phones.
Firstly, we need to gauge how much time we’re spending on our phones or the computer and within that, what chunks of time are spent on idling around on social media apps. Many phones and computers now have software that measures screen time for us. If yours doesn’t, then download apps such as “Freedom” or “Space.â€
The second step is to set limits on apps. A few weeks ago, on a very busy work day, I decided to set limits on all apps that had nothing to do with work and where I found myself spending most of my time. It worked like a charm! For five hours, I had no access to my Twitter or Instagram feeds, I wasn’t able to play any games on my phone and there were no random Snapchat messages that needed my attention. Once again, these are built-in features in most modern phones and computers, but other software can be downloaded to help with this.
You just need to figure out what apps are taking up most of your time and aren’t related to your work at all. Obviously, if your work is also heavily integrated with social media, then logging out of your personal accounts can help. Or see if you can use a separate work phone. Turning off post notifications allows further distance from apps. One thing that seems to work for a lot of people around me is to simply delete certain apps. Many tend to delete Facebook and Twitter off their phones, choosing only to access them via a computer. This allows freedom from scrolling during commutes. Instead, you have time to pick up a book!
Another way to reduce endless, mind-numbing scrolling is to put on your “Do Not Disturb” feature at night. This way you won’t get distracted by notifications or the glare of your screen while you’re trying to fall asleep.
These are just some of the things that I’ve been practicing to reduce my screen time and the stress that social media usage inflicts on us. So far, it’s going quite well. But as with everything, sometimes you need a full detox. I’m planning on disconnecting entirely soon and seeing how that goes for me.
What are some of the ways you disconnect? Reach out to us (ironically) on our social media and let us know.
Three fashion-savvy girls from Lahore style contemporary and chic couture by Zuria Dor with their own unique
twist. Browse through for inspiration
A collection dedicated to the masterful artisans of the Subcontinent, highlighting the intricacy and delicacy of their work. Shot at the historic ‘Umer Hayat Mahal’ in Chiniot, Naqsh puts our culture, architecture and extensive artistic heritage front and centre.
Brand: Saira Rizwan
Collection: Naqsh
Production: Centaur One
Muse: Urwa Hocane
Photographer: Adnan Qazi
Jewellery: Hamna Amir
Makeup: Azeem Abbasi
The beautiful Armeena Khan proves time and again that she’s a lot more than just a pretty face. In her exclusive chat with Mehek Raza Rizvi, she talks about her work as an actress and humanitarian, life at home and keeping it real
Which projects have you been working on recently?
I’m currently in negotiations for a secret project, but will announce it publicly in due course. Once I have everything planned out I’ll be able to talk more about it with exact details.
As a woman, have you experienced any inherent prejudices in your line of work?
I don’t think I’ve faced any prejudices in the media (perhaps a project or two, but nothing major). However, it’s true that a male voice is taken more seriously than a woman’s voice when it comes to negotiations. I feel women’s rights in South Asian culture need to be rectified in general. We need to come in line with the rest of the world.
I remember when I was working in the corporate world in the UK there was a discrepancy in salaries. My male colleagues were paid a lot more than me and my female colleagues. Things have changed for the better since then because women are a lot more aware of their rights now and have raised their voice against the disparity. There’s still a long way to go though; this is a global movement and it’s going to take time.
You joined hands with the Human Relief Foundation to collect donations for Syrian refugees. Tell us about your humanitarian work.
My experience with the Human Relief Foundation has proven to be quite rewarding. I will continue my work with them because the Syrian cause is very close to my heart.
In terms of other humanitarian work, I’ve officially been signed on as the brand ambassador for the Graham Layton Trust (GLT), which is committed to providing free treatment for curable blindness and visual impairment in Pakistan. So far the trust has been able to treat 41 million patients and are continuing to grow.
“It’s not appropriate to support armed conflict under the guise of self-interest. I think one should be very responsible, especially someone in her position†Armeena on calling out Priyanka Chopra
You claimed Priyanka Chopra’s team harassed you after you called her out on Twitter for supporting war, despite being a UN Goodwill Ambassador. How did you handle the situation?
I’ve visited the same refugee camps as Priyanka Chopra; it’s heart-wrenching, especially when war-ridden families share their stories with you. The reason why I called her out was because I don’t understand how she can support war in any capacity after seeing its repercussions.
It’s not appropriate to support armed conflict under the guise of self-interest. One should be very responsible, particularly someone in her position. I’m sure she’s a great actress, but her stance on war is ill-advised.
As for her team attacking me, they did so by using twitter bots which I brought to public attention earlier as well. I recognised this because of the timing and style of posting. It was discouraging for me to see, but I’ll respond to it in due time, in an appropriate fashion.
The fame and influence celebrities enjoy puts responsibility on them to use it wisely. Do you ever feel burdened by the constant spotlight?
I don’t really subscribe to the word “celebrity.†I’m just a person who happens to have a job in the movie and television business. It’s no different to any other job, except for the fact that we’re in the limelight and more people recognise us. As for the pressure, I used to feel it in the past, but I’ve grown up with every character I’ve played. As time has gone on, I’ve understood what it means to be a public figure and the responsibilities that come with it.
I feel it’s provided me with platforms to raise my voice and lend it to those who don’t have it. I try to use my fame in a positive way and, hopefully, this process will continue as I grow.
I’m very interactive with my fans; I like to be in the know with what they’re thinking, what their needs are and in the future, I’d also like to know what they want to watch. It’s also because I listen to them that I’m restraining myself from appearing in stereotypical roles that portray women as weak. I feel the responsibility is on me and I have to make smart choices. I try not to engage too much in the shiny, glittery culture that we see in mainstream media. I don’t want to use social media to flash designer bags and bling; I’m trying to offer people an alternative. Something different to aspire to.
“Just keep checking my social media and one day you’ll see that I’m married!â€
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is that I can be whomever I want to be through my roles. It gives me a sense of freedom that I otherwise wouldn’t have in real life.
The worst thing about my job is the politics. I feel there’s enough work for everyone in the industry to co-exist. I don’t appreciate petty jockeying. It really bothers me. People should be supportive of each other and not just selectively. One rule should apply to everyone.
“I’m restraining myself from appearing in stereotypical roles that portray women as weakâ€
You announced your engagement in 2017. When will we be hearing of a wedding date?
Very soon. Sooner than you think. Just keep checking my social media and one day you’ll see that I’m married!
Tell us about your childhood.
I had an amazing childhood, one that people today can only dream of. I was allowed to be a child and I was innocent. I had a lot of friends, toys and my own little garden. I also read a lot. I remember always being in my own fantasy world.
I wish kids today would experience the same magic my generation did. Despite the opportunities social media has brought in our lives, it’s a double-edged sword that pressures children into growing up very early. Their innocence is being taken away — children need to make mistakes, they need to run around freely.
We have our entire lives to be adults, so I consider myself very lucky to have had the childhood I had.
Everyone knows you well as an actress, but what is Armeena Khan like at home?
Armeena Khan is just a normal girl at home. I do what everyone else does. I read, I write, I do my own laundry and I clean my own house. I believe in being independent. My day job is at an investment company, so I work 9-5 when I’m not acting.
I’m a regular human being, with regular responsibilities and I don’t wish for that to ever change.
“My day job is at an investment company, so I work 9-5 when I’m not actingâ€
SHORT & SWEET
Film or TV?
Film
Favourite co-star?
I enjoyed my time with Sabeeka Imam a lot. Also, Ibrahim Alavi
A role of yours you think you could have performed better?
Saman of “Bin Royeâ€
Biggest pet peeve?
Someone being disingenuous
Favorite ‘90s jam?
“Everything†by Aqua and “Savage Garden,†the entire album
Describe your personal style in three words.
Non-fussy, simple, tailored
What’s the last photo you took?
Outside the house that inspired Miss Havisham’s character in “Great Expectations†by Charles Dickens
How do you respond to trolls?
Really depends on my mood, but mostly I just ignore them
What’s the last lie you told?
I told my other half, Fesyl Khan, that he looked thin in a suit
Most prized possession?
My memories
Do you have any nicknames?
My family calls me Meena. My fans have all kinds of nicknames like Eena and Mimi
One habit of yours that annoys your family?
My forgetfulness
Photography: Abdullah Haris
Styling: Areesha Chaudhry
Wardrobe: MANGO
Hair & Makeup: Shoaib Khan
Coordination: Osman Rehman