Please tell us about your background as an artist and your education in this regard

In 2006, I did my Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, specializing in Indo-Persian Miniature Painting, and in 2012, I did my Master’s in Visual Arts (M.A honours) both from The National College of Arts, Lahore, Pakistan.  Before this, I went to the Lahore Grammar School, Defence Branch, and The Convent of Jesus and Mary, Lahore.

Which artists, local or international, have influenced or informed your point of view the most?

Famous miniatures, poetry, and stories  from such great masterpieces as Shahnama of Firdausi, especially under the patronage of Shah Tahmasp and Mohammad Juki, Hamzanama, Mirajnama, The Conference of the Birds by Farid ud din Attar, Maqamat or Sessions of Al-Hariri, Diwan of Hafez, The Khamsa of Nizami, and The Haft Awrang by Jami are some of my major literary and artistic inspirations. As far as the great painters of these manuscripts are concerned, undoubtedly painters such as  Kamal ud-Din Behzad Heraw1, Mir Sayyid Ali, Reza I Abbasi, Sadiqi Beg, Khawaja Abdus Samad,and Agha Mirak who for the first time brought individualization, free manner of interpretation, of portraiture and nature in the World of Islamic Art as we see it now.

Sana Kazi’s work takes you on a sweeping journey of deftness and grace through the narratives of Sufi poets and thinkers. Both intellectual and mystic, there are no boundaries to what Kazi can accomplish with exhibitions both internationally as well as locally. Sana catches up with Afshan Shafi for an insightful interview

What has been a seminal, life changing experience in terms of your art? 

A meeting with a group of professionals and intellectuals i.e. doctors, engineers, musicians, painters, lawyers, and writers from the Chishtia order in 2016 changed my views on art and literature, and nurtured my existing practice with a profound meaning and purpose.  Frequent visits and sittings with these bright and talented individuals developed my understanding towards Beauty, and the Beautiful, or as is the Prophetic (SAW) saying, “Allah is Beautiful and loves Beauty.”

The aspect of sublime beauty and its incorporation through image and its concept has been the most life changing experience for me.

Which of your creations are you most attached to and why?  

Attachment to any given thing has never been a part of my art practice, in regard to painting or even its concept. I paint, the transitory, what is in transit and the passing of every single aspect of life, searching and yearning to be with the One and Only Constant, which is God.

What themes do you find yourself drawn towards most often in your art? 

The only theme of love, as Waris Shah explains in his poetry, is that all worship is based and is through the circle of love, not by fear or any law and ordinance. Work is worship and worship is nothing without love.

This “is the freest and the most accepting of times that the world has ever seen”

If you could travel back in time to an era in art history which period would you choose and why? 

This time, this age, this era, I would rather be here than any other time ever. We may not broadly categorize any specific art movement at the moment, but it is the freest and the most accepting of times that the world has ever seen.

What is your dream project?  

I am currently in process of two projects, which were my dream projects, and have come to reality, hoping for their completion in 2019. Those projects involve materials and concepts that no one in my knowledge has ever attempted before. So let’s see.

Which work of art do you wish you owned?

The complete Shahnama under the patronage of Shah Tahmasp.

“A meeting with a group of professionals and intellectuals i.e. doctors, engineers, musicians, painters, lawyers, and writers from the Chishtia order in 2016 changed my views on art and literature, and nurtured my existing practice with a profound meaning and purpose”

Whose portrait would you love to make?

A portrait is in process a surprise that shall unravel itself in March 2019 in Karachi. It is a portrait of someone I had only dreamed I would make one day. So I am, and let’s see how it turns out. Its titled, Shaikha, meaning calling out to Shaikh, (teacher, murshid.)

Which artists living or dead would you have loved to collaborate with?

Reza I Abassi

What are you working on as a future project? 

Currently I am working on solo shows in Italy, France, Karachi and Lahore for 2019.

Photography by Raza Ali

There is no stopping this duo. Farhan Saeed and Urwa Hocane are two stars that collided to form a supernova.
Sana Zehra catches up with this starry couple on the eve
of their second wedding anniversary

Farhan

What are some fun facts about you?

I love playing sports. Cricket is my favourite.

Which of your scars has the best story behind it?

Every scar is a memory, and every memory is special.

What annoys you the most about cliques?

Communication gap

You are strong on social media. Sometimes it’s a double edged sword. While it gives you a platform to get your message across but it also….

Makes your life open to public opinion. There’s a price for everything.

Apart from not trusting others what is one lesson you had to learn the hard way?

That not everyone wants good for others

What’s your style?

Comfort and expressing myself

What insults your intelligence

Computers (I’m a computer engineer.)

When do you agree to disagree

Whenever you’re working as a team, you have to agree to disagree.

What do you think people say behind your back?

I hope good things.

How would you end poverty?

By educating everyone

What’s a more challenging role? Husband, singer or actor?

None, if done properly

“Urwa and I are way too connected to each other for there to be room for any rumours”

What should be the title of your biography?

Battler

What are the hot topics that turn into an argument for you?

Mostly political views

Do you think the best part of life is yet to happen or has it already happened?

Has already happened and is yet to happen too, again.

What do you spend too much on?

Clothes

How would like you people to remember you as?

A great human being

How did you guys meet?

The first time we met was at a get-together at a mutual friend’s place.

“We can’t get enough of each other”

What was the first thing that attracted you towards each other?

The thing I love most about her is her straightforwardness and honesty. In a world full of people with so many faces, she’s really herself. Sometimes she gets in-your-face and people may not like that about her, but I love it.

In what way has life changed ever since marriage?

To be honest my life has changed entirely. I’m more focused, organized and disciplined. Great things have happened to me since we got married.

How do you define your relationship?

Friendship. To be together as a couple and to have to work it out, you are first and foremost friends. You are honest with each other, look out for each other and protect each other. That’s what friends do.

How has your relationship evolved over time?

We became the best of friends over time – luckily for us. And that is the key to a successful relationship. We can’t get enough of each other. We spend so much time together, watching movies, laughing at the same jokes, etc.

What are the keys to a successful relationship?

Like I said, firstly, be friends. Guide each other, understand each other, and love each other. If there’s something not right with your partner, call it out. Communicate. Talk.

Who is the typical life partner from both of you?

Neither. We are both far from being “typical” and I think we’re both unpredictable at times. It’s what makes us interesting to each other.

Who is more romantic or more expressive with feelings?

I like to think I’m the more romantic one. I don’t know what Urwa would have to say about that.

In what ways do you think you complement each other?

She complements me in each and every way. She gives me strength when I need it. Similarly, I complement her. Different people have different strengths and weaknesses. When two people come together, they’re supposed to complete each other.

How do you deal with rumours about each other?

Thankfully, we don’t have that problem. If we hear things, we laugh it off together. Urwa and I are way too connected to each other for there to be room for any rumours. Touch wood!

You have worked in Udari. How does working together bring out the best in each of you?

Udari was a great project to do together. Naturally, the chemistry between us in such projects is phenomenal. It wasn’t even acting. It was just the vibe between us. People were really rooting for us from that point on.

Are there any projects you are both working on currently or are such projects in the works?

Yes, there are a number of projects for which we’re both reading scripts, and if we find something interesting our fans will be the first to know.

How do you both spend your weekends?

Weekends are mostly spent watching Netflix. We love to watch movies together. I think it’s a healthy exercise. It helps build a common intellect or sense of humour. If not, find some other common ground.

How do you describe each other’s style?

We both try to keep it natural and whatever we are comfortable with. We don’t believe in having to go out of our skins to experiment. People should stick to what they feel comes naturally to them.

How has your style evolved since being together?

We take advice from each other and listen to the input each of us has to give. Honest advice really goes a long way.

Do you travel together? Where did you go for your honeymoon and how did it help you understand each other?

We went to Mauritius for our honeymoon. We love to travel together, for gigs, shoots, etc. We’ve been all over Europe together. Traveling together is a beautiful experience. They say there is no better way to get to know someone than to travel with them. So couples should definitely travel together as much as they can.

What is on your goal board for 2019, work wise and family wise?

We obviously want to do great things together. We share our goals and we want to achieve big things for ourselves and for our country. And family wise, we intend on staying just as we are right now, touch wood.

Urwa

What piece of entertainment do you wish you could erase from your mind so that you could experience it for the first time again with Farhan?

I would never want to remove anything that I have experienced. I still enjoy some of my favourite films like I am watching them for the first time.

If all jobs had the same pay and hours, what job would you like to have?

I’d still be an actor. I truly enjoy my work.

How different was your life one year ago?

Life is different every day. It will be very difficult to put that in words but I can definitely say it’s different in a good way today.

What quirks do you have?

Defining my cup of tea

“The first thing i noticed…is the humility in his body language Eventhough all the girls were drooling over him at the gt where we met”

Best way to start the day?

Stretching and yoga is the best way to start the day.

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?

Bell bottoms

Which city would you most like to live in?

Karachi

Which movie title best describes your life?

It’s a wonderful life

“Our fans love our chemistry”

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

I never really decided to be an actor. I think the field chose me, and opportunities kept unfolding.

What’s the best way a person can spend their time?

By reading

Which website do you visit most often?

Integra

What one thing do you really want but can’t afford it?

A trip to the moon. Ha-ha!

Where do you usually go when you when you have time off?

I like spending time at home when I have time off. That’s the best way for me to unwind.

Where would you spend all your time if you could?

With my mother because she lives in Sydney. I miss her so much.

What is special about the place you grew up in?

Islamabad was the most beautiful place to spend my childhood. I think I will always remember it as a peaceful and clean city. I loved the abundance of nature there.

What age do you want to live to?

For as long as I am healthy, whatever age that might be.

When was the last time you changed your opinion/belief about something major?

I think I do that very often whenever I become convinced about something.

What was the best compliment you’ve received?

That I am a “people builder”  and I am always there for everyone. Mawra calls me that.

If you were the only human left on Earth, what would you do?

That’s a very scary thought.

What is something you will NEVER do again?

I wish to never hurt or upset anyone again intentionally or unintentionally.

What do you spend the most time thinking about?

My loved ones; my family

What are some of the events in your life that made you who you are?

I think every experience has played a role so far.

What are three of the most significant numbers in your life?

I don’t believe in numerology.

What are three interesting facts about you?

I’m super organized.

I’m a morning person.

I don’t like shopping.

If you could make a 20 second phone call to yourself at any point in your life present or future, when would you call and what would you say?

I would tell myself to just believe in myself and keep going further and further with what I love doing.

Urwa, you got married at the peak of your career. Did it ever cross your mind that it could affect your professional growth as an actress?

I think this only added to my professional growth. I believe if you have the right partner who celebrates your career then you only perform better and better.

How did you guys meet?

The first time we met was at a get-together at a mutual friend’s place.

What was the first thing that attracted you towards each other?

The first thing I noticed and the one thing I love most about him is the humility in his body language even though all the girls were drooling over him at the gt where we met.

In what ways has your life changed since marriage?

Life has changed in a really good way.

How do you define your relationship?

Friendship. I second Farhan on this one.

How has your relationship evolved with time?

We became the best of friends over time. Also, we embrace the changes in each other and try to learn about each other as we are growing. We support each other’s individual growth.

What are the keys to a successful relationship?

Communication

Who is more romantic or more expressive with feelings?

I would say we both are our own kind of romantic. Can’t really tell who is more romantic.

In what ways do you think you complement each other?

He makes me feel intelligent, witty and beautiful every day, more than I think I am.

How do you deal with rumours about each other?

They are hilarious sometimes. We laugh it off together.

You have worked in Udari. How does working together bring out the best in each of you?

Udari was a great project to do together. I also really enjoyed working with him on two of his music videos Tu Thori Dayr and Saathiya. Our fans love our chemistry.

Any projects you are both working on currently or are such projects in the works?

Yes, we are. We shall announce them soon.

How do you spend your weekends?

We love spending a slow relaxed day on our days off. We love watching movies. Dining out is Farhan’s favourite, so we do that too sometimes.

How do you describe each other’s style?

We both have a minimal and comfortable style.

How has your style evolved since being together?

Like Farhan said, honest advice really goes a long way. We turn to each other for guidance when needed.

Do you travel together? Where did you go for your honeymoon and how has it helped you understand each other?

We went to Mauritius for our honeymoon. We love to travel together.

Photography by Adnan Qazi
Hair & make-up by Mehwish Almas
Assisted by Nas Din

Sonya Hussyn defies the criteria of beauty in Pakistan.
She walks in her truth and embraces the perfect version of herself.
The star of the highly anticipated period drama Aangan,
Sonya shares her story with Haider Rifaat

Describe yourself in a few words.

Intuitive, somewhat indecisive and a self-proclaimed fashionista!

What kind of household did you grow up in?

A very liberal household where open conversations and dreaming big were the norm and heavily encouraged. I grew up in a family that not only provided me with wings to fly, but also taught me how to fly.

Has your family been supportive of your career?

They always have. My mother was my first ever stylist. She was very particular about how I carried myself and was open to what I wanted out of life. The same goes for the rest of my family. Not only have they been by my side, they take immense pride in where I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Are you camera-shy? What was your initial response to seeing yourself on the screen?

I don’t think I was camera-shy but I was most certainly unaware of how the camera worked, and how brutal it can be. It was after I had seen myself on-reel that I realized I could do much better. I wouldn’t say I became more self-conscious but I was definitely better equipped to face the camera with much more assurance.

Are you a director’s actor or a spontaneous one?

I think I am a bit of both. I do walk in on a set hoping that I’ll be able to approach the character how I have perceived it over script readings. I am also a very keen listener and open to all kinds of ideas. The director is undoubtedly the captain of the ship, and he/she knows best. I cannot deny that some of my greatest performances have been with a director’s vision, someone who listens and directs.

“Embrace the light”

Where can we see you next?

You will get to see me in Aangan on your TV screens very soon, and Sorry: A Love Story in the cinemas.

What role changed your life?

In and as Nazo.

Your response to people comparing you with Priyanka Chopra?

I don’t entirely find it bizarre, for Priyanka Chopra is truly very inspiring but I think we are very different from each other. I do admire how she has grown as a person and performer over the years.

sonya is said to resmeble Priyanka chopra

Why do women find the need to change their appearance in this and every other industry?

It has a lot to do with how women are required for projection. For centuries, beauty standards for women, particularly in showbiz, have been unreal and unacceptable. I enjoy dressing up and putting on makeup, but I do it for myself, and not to fit into what people expect of me. It’s about time we look beyond appearances. Do notice and appreciate people apart from their looks.

A message to your critics?

I truly value constructive criticism. It honestly helps me grow. However, I do believe in paying the devil no mind. Embrace the light.

Do you take television and film critics seriously?

I do if I know it is coming from a place that is constructive and will help me hone my craft. If there are other vendettas for criticism, I don’t bother pondering over it.

“I grew up in a family that not only provided me with wings to fly, but also taught me how to fly”

A motto you live by?

Be yourself with no pretense whatsoever

What’s your success mantra?

I think being able to trust my instincts with scripts that I end up choosing. It’s always a gamble. You never know how well a project may perform, one has to take a leap of faith.

Which colour defines your personality. Why?

White as it’s a spiritual colour

What gives you confidence?

My family and self-belief

This lovely starlet is still searching for her soulmate

What do you look for in a soul mate?

Somebody who can complete my sentences and who knows the person I am inside out; someone who I can live and celebrate my imperfections with. I know it is a struggle finding a soulmate, but I am not someone who gives up easily.

How do you keep fit?

Consistent and persistent workout and a healthy diet

Is casting couch an issue in Pakistan?

The casting coach is most definitely an issue in Pakistan. It’s not the predominant state of being otherwise people like myself wouldn’t have been able to survive in the fraternity. Nonetheless, I feel that both men and women are taken for a ride, in all professions and walks of life.

It is appalling and extremely unfortunate, but things are getting better with time. With recent movements and freedom of speech, we are all more equipped and I am glad that the perpetrators are being called out. It is about time we realize what fair and just work is.

Is free will real or an illusion?

Free will has been a reality for me. As long as I can remember, my family was very accepting and open to however I wanted to lead my life. I know it is not the case with most people in our country, or even across the globe, but I truly believe in the phrase, “to each, his own.”

What should be the goal of humanity?

As clichéd as it may sound, it’s simply, live and let live.

Where does one’s self-worth come from?

It comes from within — to believe that you are worth everything that is good in the world and you are at the top of your game. It is self-doubt that kills you!

What is art to you?

Self-expression

What gives you solace?

My family and the contentment that comes with being able to live my dream.

What would you like to say to your devoted fan base?

I am most grateful for the love my fans shower me with each time. They keep telling me how I need to work more and their support keeps me going.

Fresh entrant to Pakistani television, Anmol Baloch tip-toed into the entertainment industry with a slew of prominent commercials and TV series, but is best known for her role as the much beloved protagonist in Aik Larki Aam Si.
Grabbing all the attention she duly deserves, the model and actress has proved to be a lot more than just a pretty face with her strong screen presence and acting prowess. Sana Zehra meets her for a quick tête-à-tête

Has a disastrous start ever led to something great for you?

Fortunately, I can’t think of anything that didn’t start out well for me.

Which weird food combinations do you really enjoy? 

French fries with chocolate

How would your country change if everyone, regardless of age, could vote?

With younger citizens being more socially aware through open dialogue and the use of social media, I think our nation could change for the better. By allowing the youth to vote, they will be able to help create a country they would like to grow up in and start families in at a future date. It would also create a greater sense of civic duty.

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What are some red flags to watch out for in daily life?

You can tell someone lacks sincerity when they’re only nice to you when you are surrounded by cameras. A tendency to be overly consumed by one’s phone with no value for interpersonal connections is also a major pet peeve.

If you were surprised with a three day paid leave from work, how would you spend your time?

I would take a quick trip somewhere I can shop till I drop or spend quality time with my cats and family.

Where do you get your news from?

Facebook and Instagram

What movie can you watch over and over without getting tired of?

DDLJ (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge)

What’s wrong but sounds right?

Love

What’s the most epic way you’ve seen someone quit or be fired?

Someone I know quit their job fearlessly by simply handing out their resignation letter to their boss saying “Hasta la vista, baby.” (Goodbye)

What social stigma does society need to get over?

A lot of the stigmas women have to face on a daily basis. An independent woman is not “corrupt” nor is a woman obligated to bow down to her husband. It’s all about mutual respect, which society needs to acknowledge.

What’s the most creative use of emojis you’ve ever seen?

Narrating a full story through emojis, only making it sound funnier.

What’s something that will always be in fashion, no matter how much time passes?

Watches. I think people will never get over watches

Which actors or actresses play the same character in almost every movie or show they do?

Humayun Saeed and Mahira Khan; he always plays the charming protagonist and she is always seen as the damsel in distress.

In the past, people were buried with items they would need in the afterlife. What would you want buried with you?

My cell phone

What’s the best /worst practical joke that you’ve played on someone or that was played on you?

Prank calling Pizza Hut and asking them for advice to solve my problems.

Who do you go out of your way to be nice to?

I try to be nice to everyone I come across but mostly my family. I would take a bullet for them if I had to.

Which celebrity do you think is the most down to earth?

Mahira Khan

What would be the worst thing to hear while going under anesthesia before a surgery?

The doctor cracking a joke about the survival rate of that particular surgery. Bad timing doc!

Something you have you never eaten but would really like to try?

Sushi

What food is delicious but a pain to eat?

Pani puri. You’ve got to time your dunk and eat it super quickly so the whole thing doesn’t crumble in your hands. But I will gladly eat pani puri any day for as long as I live.

Who was your craziest/most interesting teacher?

My math teacher. He was known for telling the lamest jokes that only he found funny.

“An independent woman is not ‘corrupt’ nor is a woman obligated to bow down to her husband. It’s all about mutual respect”

What “old person” things do you do?

Stay home and sleep in on a Saturday night instead of partying.

What was the last photo you took?

The one I just uploaded on Instagram

Hair & makeup: Eric Sen

at JY Style Studio

Photography: Raza Jaffri

Though Ramsha Khan’s debut movie Thora Jee Le never made it to the box office, she has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. Currently, the starlet is working alongside industry veterans on super hit dramas, like Wo Aik Pal, Daagh, Khudaparast, and Mah-e-Tamam, and has outdone herself regarding her histrionic abilities in Tumhari Mariam. Sana Zehra sits down with pretty Ramsha Khan for a heart to heart

With whom do you connect with most both on and off set?

I try connecting with the director and my co-actors on set so we can all sync with each other and jump into scenes easily. I’m not much of a good friend off set lol, as I have trouble keeping in touch.

What is your take on love? Can a person fall in love with two people at the same time?

I think love is about caring deeply for someone. And, no, I don’t believe in falling in love with two people at the same time. That’s not love then.

You think you have found your living right now?

Nope, not yet. I have a lot to discover.

You are working with so many people right now. What makes a fruitful collaboration?

I thrive to dig deeper into my craft so I can learn and experience more, and working with all these amazing actors gives me just that opportunity.

Is it harder to get started or to keep going? What was the particular thing that you had to conquer to do either?

For me sometimes it’s harder to keep going, I guess I was lucky I started off easily.

Ramsha thinks Mahira Khan can become a beauty pageant queen

What’s the one thing that’s happening in our industry right now that needs to stop?

I feel like there’s a lobby when it comes to films, it’s like there are a bunch of friends who make films and cast each other. There are so many talented actors in the drama industry who deserve to be seen on the big screen.

What is that one rumor that is not true?

I haven’t heard a signle rumor about me, so I don’t know, lol.

Who do you think could run for a pageant from our industry?

Mahira Khan — she’s both intelligent and beautiful.

What is one thing that men should know about women and vice versa?

We’re a lot stronger than you think, mentally especially.

Can body language be considered a language?

I guess I don’t understand body language. I know it’s wrong but I’m always slouching.

What do you think that tells people?

Lol

How would you start a conversation in a party if you wouldn’t know anyone?

I’m not a conversation starter; I’m socially awkward. Crowds make me anxious.

“Acting isn’t something that you can teach people. It just comes naturally”

What promises have you never carried through for yourself?

That I will be regular with my yoga and diet, which stopped in 2012.

Have you ever expected love in return? Did you get it?

No, I don’t expect love in return. I already get it from my family, friends and fans of course!

If you could spend ten minutes with your “hero” alive or dead, what would you ask him?

Why did you get bored of being Batman? I thought he completed you!

A lot of people in our industry do not have the training or background in acting. Do you think you need one?

I don’t think so, I feel like anyone can act. Acting isn’t something that you can teach people. It just comes naturally. And, no, you don’t need an acting background to become an actor.

“I’ m not a conversation starter; I’m socially awkward. Crowds make me anxious”

If you were in the decision committee to make the next 8th wonder of the world what would you pick?

As weird as it sounds, I’d make an underwater aquarium/gym.

Any crazy fan moment?

Wasn’t really a crazy fan moment, but just last week my friends and I were in a humongous queue for this concert, and one of the people from the security recognized me. It turned out that he and his sister are my fans. So he discreetly helped us cut the queue and get our tickets. It was super sweet of him. He saved the day because all of us had to go to the bathroom really badly.

If you could erase an event from your mind, which one would you choose?

I wouldn’t want to erase any events because then erasing an event would mean erasing an experience, which I obviously don’t want to lose.

Best story in one sentence?

The fool didn’t know it was impossible, so he did it.

Photography by Jaffer Hasan