Looking like a model straight out of GQ magazine—tall, handsome, mansome, dapper and aristocratic looking, Wiqar Ali Khan is the style icon of Pakistan as well as a model, director, ex MTV VJ, seasoned actor and producer. Born in Swat and raised in London, he got his lucky break as a model at the age of 16. Wiqar took the Pakistan industry by storm when TV viewers first saw him conversing in an amalgamation of the Queen’s English and fluent Pashto. he has been the face of Calvin Klein, served as the vice president for MTV Pakistan for two years and has recently worked in the Pakistani film Jalaibee. Sana zehra interviews this soigné gent

Wiqar rushed into the room where me and my team were waiting for him for less than 2 minutes. He seemed embarrassed by the wait, which marks a nice change from other celebrities; he looked like the perfect archetype of the laid back hot surfer dude. Wiqar confessed that he had hardly slept the night before because he was scared that he might over sleep. It worked in our favour as he fit in perfectly with the sleep deprived photographer, stylist and me. The only difference was that he looked perfect without sleep! It was fun getting to know him through out the day. What really struck me about him was his ability to connect with the people of Pakistan. Pakistanis truly love him. Perhaps it is the positive energy that he emits that makes the other person feel comfortable right away. I noticed that people were not scared to walk up to him and talk. Wiqar possesses natural elegance. Every major brand wants him as their brand ambassador! Dressed super casually in denim jeans and a white shirt, which looked couture on Wiqar. I had a lot of fun getting to know this true gentleman and I hope you have fun reading his interview just as much.

Your love for Pakistan is inspiring but you chose to live in the UK Why?

Pakistan is no doubt my motherland, however, my parents chose to relocate to London in the ‘60’s and we were bought up there. We came back every summer vacation for 3 months at a time to keep the connection with our families, Pakistani roots, culture, heritage and language and I have fond memories of that time. I go back and forth simply because my kids go to school in London and my immediate family lives there. Till this day I choose to spend most of my time in Pakistan as I have projects here and I’m proudly promoting this country at the end of the day.

You are strong on social media but I feel like it’s a double edged sword, it gives you a platform to get your message across but then it also….

Life is like a double edge sword and even a coin has two sides, there are pros and cons in everything. I see everything as a positive, it’s a mindset and a small adjustment. I use my social media like everyone does to show things from my perspective. I am a student of life on a journey like a tourist. Whether it be a new country I visit, a new cuisine I try or people that I meet along in my journey. It’s just me being myself and sharing some experiences. It’s for friends, family and fans to see what I’m up to.

We have never seen you posting pictures of your wife. Is that because you don’t want to lose your fan following?

My wife Mitra is so beautiful (Mashallah) and if I post her photos then definitely all my fans will become fans if her and leave me haha. Btw, I have never hidden the fact that I’ve been married for 13 years (Alhumdulilah) and have two wonderful boys. I post photos of them every now and then. Maybe one day I’ll post a photo of my wife if she allows me, because trust me I have tried very hard but haven’t been successful.

You once said in your interview about Jalaibee that it is proof that Pakistani films can be made at international standards. What exactly is the international standard of filming?

I feel that we have not only the talent in front of the camera but also the technical knowhow behind the camera to produce on an equal footing with films made in Hollywood and Bollywood. The main difference is budgets and number of cinema screens. Since starting Jalaibee a couple of years ago, these have both increased enormously. Hence, there were films that were sent for Oscar nominations and one even came home with the golden statue. For a country that only produces a handful of films, that’s a huge accomplishment. But as they say, the proof is in the pudding, so only time will tell. International standard also suggests that a film is made with many sensibilities in mind, be it scripting, screenplay, styling, sets, wardrobe, art direction, post production, dialogue delivery, character acting, marketing, promotion, casting, story telling, film angles, sound, distribution, etc. These are some of the basic points that international films look out for that make them successful. Now we are witnessing Pakistani film makers following some of these basic rules and creating films on par to these standards.

How has Jalaibee prepared you for your leap into feature films? Any upcoming projects?

This was a challenging yet rewarding experience for me as we tried to raise the bar in so many ways. Plus, I have always loved the entire process of film making. Subsequently, Jalaibee was nominated in many categories and won an award. I have two movies in the pipeline, releasing in 2017, a comedy and a Pashtu action thriller. Audiences will see two different sides of me. It’s an exciting time. As Captain Kirk of the Enterprise would have said, Pathan’s will go where no other has boldly gone before.

Audience and film critics said that you delivered dialogues like you were about to introduce the next song on a music channel and that you were barely used as a glamour quotient in the film. How did you overcome the criticism? 

Polarity is always welcomed. As an actor I tried to do my best as directed. Although this question would be best put to the director as he had a specific idea in mind. However, it’s nice to know we actually have some qualified film critics, because recently I heard a few put down Pakistan bringing an Oscar home. Shouldn’t we be celebrating these moments of joy? The world is acknowledging Pakistan for its talent. We should be too, instead of gunning down the efforts these wonderful people have been making. So in essence I take things with a pinch of salt, except my chai which I take with extra sugar.

How has the movie changed your life?

I got to meet so many new people and make friends on this incredible journey. I was glad that Jalaibee contributed in a positive way to the overall Pakistani movie scene. I feel it helped open the doors for more film makers to take a leap of faith. This has in return created more opportunities for those who want to be part of this fraternity.

Would you do Bollywood films and who would you like to work with?

I’ve been inspired by Hollywood all my life. However, if something interesting from Bollywood comes my way, then why not? It would be nice to work with them, but in English.

Who are your style icons.?

I’m inspired by the classic Hollywood era so classy stars like Errol Flynn, Carry Grant, Marlon Brando, Orson Welles, Steve McQueen and Gene Kelly. They all had swagger!

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

I generally put my trust in people as I’m a team player. Great projects cannot be done unless you trust your team and the people around you. What have I learnt the hard way? Recovering my money from even those people that I thought I trusted.

What insults your intelligence?

Nothing, I’m very open minded, and every question has its own merit.

When have you had to agree to disagree? Explain.

Over the years I had been involved in great projects and setting up TV channels in London, Dubai and Pakistan and I have managed them for many years as well. It’s all a creative process and sometimes a team member feels strongly about their opinion, and I believe out rightly negating them can shatter their confidence, therefore, in certain circumstances it helps to agree to disagree

What do you think people say behind your back?

Good things I hope. If it’s negative, then I ignore those comments but if someone has the courage to say it to my face then I would respect that person.

How would you end poverty?

Instead of giving them a fish, I would teach them how to catch one. Because this is an honourable, practical and sustainable method

What’s more challenging, a TV show, acting or being a VJ?

Each holds very different set of challenges. I don’t find any of them easy, I work so hard and try to make it look effortless .

If you Were to write your biography what would the title be?

The great titles are all taken, Frank Sinatra’s was I Did It My Way and Richard Branson chose Screw It Just Do It, so I think I’ll go with The Diary of a British Pathan.

What are the hot topics that turn into arguments for you?

When someone says to me that Pakistan is unsafe, I get irate. No one talks about the achievements, like sports, film, fashion, music, Nobel Peace Prize recipient or the number of Oscars Pakistan has won. That is not forgetting the most breath-taking landscapes on earth. Honestly, I’m constantly defending and promoting Pakistan that the world never gets to see, since we have been projected very negatively in the media. This will take quite a while to undo.

Do you think the best part of life has happened or is yet to be?

With God’s grace and blessings, I have had so many great moments in my life and all with no regrets. I personally feel I haven’t reached my peak yet so I’m looking forward to some more great times to come in the years ahead

What would be your priority if you were made the country’s President for a day?

I would allow Raheel Sharif and Asim Bajwa to take over after me so that when I leave, the country is in safe hands of honest people. Also, I would ensure universal justice and equal rights.

What do you spend more on: clothes, accessories, perfumes or anything else?

Ooh! I have a weakness for scents.

How would you like people to remember you?

I would like to be remembered as someone who was consistent all his life, a good friend and a good father.

Coordination:
Sana Zehra
Photography:
Arsalan Bilgrami
(a.bilgrami studios)
Styling:
Rao Ali Khan
Wardrobe:
Humayun Alamgir
Hairstyling:
Rashid Salon (Park Towers)
Hamilton Watches provided by Movements by Collectibles Karachi
Special Thanks Afzal Leghari

How did you start your modeling career?

I started my career as a model for Ather Shahzad’s makeup show in 2002. I can still remember my first time like it happened yesterday; I had butterflies in my stomach before going on the runway. Little did I know then that this was the field that I will excel in and eventually make a career out of

What skills did you learn as a model that you incorporate in acting?

I believe that despite a lot of similarities between the two professions, the training of a model is totally different from the training of an actor. Each genre requires a different set of skills. Having said that, my experience as a model and having faced the camera many times shooting in TV commercials has given me an extra edge. Modelling has also projected my image and helped me establish myself as a brand.

EMMAD IRFANI TELLS MAHLIA lONE ABOUT HIS effortless TRANSITION FROM MODEL TO ACTOR

How does one pose for the perfect shot? Any pointers?

That depends on the particular situation, mood and character that is being portrayed.

You won Best Male Model at the Lux Style Awards 05. How did that help your career and which doors, if any, did that open for you?

It was great to see my work being rewarded in that manner and reach a status that is coveted. Even then I went and pursued a career in the corporate world working as senior marketing manager for a firm.

How did you transition into acting? Tell us about your experience acting in your first drama serial Asmanoo Pe Likha. How far has your acting prowess developed since then?

I was hoping you would ask me this. The story goes like this, having spent a decade working as a model and for three years at a desk job, I was at a crossroads in my life searching and asking myself what I wanted to do with my life. Where did I see myself in the next five years? What inspires me? While all this was going on, I reached a turning point in my life. In 2012, Asim Raza cast me as a lead for one of his commercials with a storyline about relationships and emotions. I needed a touch of inspiration and a tap of encouragement and it came in that way. From there on out, I started my quest to hone this beautiful craft. Deciding that I’m ready to face all the challenges to excel at this, by the grace of God, I’m glad I took this leap of faith as you only live once.

Currently I’m doing a project for Momina Duraid Productions, which is one of their premium projects. I play a powerful politician. I believe it will be the definitive project for me as an actor

Have you studied acting? How do you prepare for a role?

A lot of introspection and observation goes into preparing for a role. I believe it’s not about what you know, it’s about what you do with what you know. Knowledge is definitely powerful if acted upon. The preparation I do certainly has evolved with time. I research to develop my characters, each of whom have different motives and objectives from mine.

Do you get roles through your agent or are you approached directly? Do you read for them or are they written with you in mind?

Initially, I was just flattered to be offered a role. Over time one learns the factors to consider before taking up a role.

What are some factors you consider when accepting a role?

I look at the traits and attributes of a character, which should be believable and when portrayed by me, should be convincing. What makes me fall in love with a character is how much I can relate to it, whether it’s watching a character on screen or reading it and using my own imagination.

Tell us about your current and future projects?

Currently, I’m doing a project for Momina Duraid Productions, which is one of their premium projects. I play a powerful politician in it. I believe it will be the definitive project for me as an actor. Shahzad Kashmiri is the director and I have formed great camaraderie with him. InshAllah, I’m very confident and optimistic about this particular project.

Any funny on set incidents?

They happen from time to time. Yes work is fun but it’s also something very serious, so I try to bring as much positivity and fun to the table for the team.

Crazy fan/groupie stories?

Thankfully no. I just call it an occupational hazard.

Tell us about your family life.

I’m a very family oriented person. My wife and my son are the reason where I am today and the source of my strength and resolve, as are my parents. They were supportive of me when I started as a model.

How do you relax in your downtime?

I’m quite a music junkie. I like to listen to and sing along with classics by Queen, Guns n Roses and Bon Jovi. Haha!

What is your workout and diet regime?

I am quite disciplined. Just like eating and sleeping, exercise is of equal importance, combined with a clean diet. That is the only way of achieving optimal fitness and a strong mindset.

Message to your fans?

Go out there and make some mistakes. Mistakes come from doing, but so does success. Don’t be discouraged by failures. Write your own script, be the hero of your own story, take responsibility and define yourself. Make your life count.

Direction & Photography: Mohsin Khawar

Hair & Grooming by: Zahid Mehmood @ Toni Guy 

A writer of dazzling range and energy, Peter Frankopan’s latest non fiction book The Silk Roads has engendered a ream of superlatives from the international literati. The U.S. magazine Vanity Fair has called it ‘’Monumental… prodigious… astonishing’, U.K. newspaper The Sunday Times reviewed it as “a magnificent study…. swashbuckling history…written with verve and precision.” The Silk Roads was also a New York Times bestseller and Daily Telegraph named it as the History Book of the Year. Frankopan, a director of the Oxford Centre for Byzantine Research and Senior Research Fellow at Worcester College, specializes in medieval Greek literature and rhetoric, the history of the Byzantine Empire in the 11th Century, and on the cultural exchange between Constantinople and the Islamic world. Along with being ferociously brilliant, Frankopan is also a real life dishy Prince of Croatian descent and a hotelier (he recently acquired L’Hotel, Oscar Wilde’s former home in Paris as part of his hotel empire), a cricketer and a philanthropist. He has charmed audiences at the recently held Jaipur Literary festival where William Dalrymple pointed him out as one of “the literary crushes of the year,” as one of “the studs of the festival” and as “the best looking historian around” (Vogue India online). He was recently in Pakistan to attend the academic conference, Afkaar e Tazaa , and also spoke at Lahore’s terrific bookstore The Last Word. the gifted scholar/powerhouse told Afshan Shafi about the larger concerns of The Silk Roads, his favorite historical figures, and time travel

Peter with Aysha Raja

What would you say were your influences as a historian and thinker?  What texts informed your point of view the most and continue to do so?

Peter Frankopan: I’ve had a great many influences, and I genuinely find it difficult to work out who has been the most important. In some ways, my teachers when I was a little boy had the greatest effect on me, because they encouraged me to think for myself and comforted me when I did not get things right. I was lucky to be taught by my parents too that asking questions was more important than getting the answers right.

 Why is “a new history of the world” important? What would you say is lacking in the old history of the world, the grand and familiar narrative that most are familiar with?

Something deserves to be called “new” if it is really doing something different. And I think that is what my Silk Roads book actually does. By viewing the world from the same vantage point, not from the East or from the West, but from the lands in the middle, we get a radically different picture of the past, not only of the lands of the Silk Roads, but of the world as a whole.

In some ways, historians are like chefs, they cook their ingredients as they best can, and present the finest dish as a result. In my case, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to draw on a whole new set of materials that most historians have never used before, partly because I’ve been lucky enough to be able to learn lots of languages. So we find texts written in a huge range of languages, as well as the latest archeological reports from all over Asia.

I would never criticize individual historians for what they write. But it seems to me many have looked at the same problems in very similar ways; maybe there are more original and interesting ways of assessing the past.

Peter with Farah Rehman, Afshan Shafi & Madeeha Maqbool

One of the interesting things about immersing yourself in history is that one finds surprising patterns of connectivity everywhere. What do you think is the societal importance of focusing on this cohesion?  

Perhaps the most obvious pattern is how similar we really are as human beings. It is easy to focus on variations in ethnicity, beliefs, language, custom and culture. But, at the end of the day, we are not so different from each other. We are all interested in the meaning of life; we are all interested in making the world a better place for our children; we are all interested in doing the best we can during our lifetimes, no matter what our position in society. And to me, that tells me that our natural instincts are to cooperate and to learn from each other; I am much more interested in how people exchange ideas and goods with each other than in glorifying warfare and confrontation, and seeing what happens when men (it always is the men, by the way) fight each other for power and status.

You have written of “the world’s center of gravity shifting — back to where it lay for millennia.” Can you explain this notion in lieu of the China-Pakistan economic corridor, in what ways do you think this initiative will have a favorable impact on Pakistan and Asia at large? 

Looking at the CPEC at the moment involves some crystal ball-gazing, as one never knows if the corridor will look like it is supposed to when it is finished. What is clear is that there are big visions and grand ambitions at stake. China is armed with deep pockets and a clear vision of what its future requirements are. Much depends now on how it builds long term, sustainable relations with its neighbours. Pakistan is a major part of the One Belt, One Road initiative. The big question is whether Pakistan is able to take a long term view of what the major investment in the country’s energy and infrastructure will do for the country. Everything depends on getting this detail right at the outset; the concern is that China will solve today’s problems, rather than help deal with those of tomorrow.

The foremost educational institutions of learning in the world are geographically centered in the U.S. and in Europe today. In your book you have set out to reclaim an alternative past where the major centers of knowledge were “Baghdad and Balkh, Bukhara and Samarkand.” What do you think is lost when the locus of academic innovation is concentrated within a certain region only?

The most important fact about world-class educational establishments is that they are supported by wealthy patrons. Harvard, Yale and Princeton are held up by huge endowments, with multi-billion dollar values. Oxford and Cambridge are not quite in the same league, but still have proved skillful at raising large sums of money.

Supporting scholars is expensive. Laboratories and equipment cost a lot, as does attracting the finest minds in the academic world to work together and produce high class research. Inevitably, the best institutions are able to attract the best scholars from across the world, which means ideas get challenged, tested and refined. For me, the wonder of Oxford is that some of the cleverest people in the world come to my lectures and ask questions that stop me and make me think, likewise, listening to one genius after another is brilliant too.

I sometimes think of it like Premier League football: being alongside the best in the business makes me better, sharper and pushes me further. But, as I write in my book that process once did not take place in Oxford and Cambridge, but in cities across Asia. Perhaps it will happen again.

Your book also discusses some phases of the origins of Islam and  in a recent interview you have noted that “the oldest books on Islam talk of it as a faith of great tolerance, patrons of art and music and high culture, a perception very different from what fundamentalists reading these texts have made it out to be.” Please elaborate on this statement.

When young Muslims are taught about their faith, they usually learn about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and of course are taught to memorise the Qu’rãn. But there are other things that they could also learn about, which can supplement their faith, explain it and make it stronger. The early history of Islam, in the time of the Prophet and in the decades that followed were tolerant, sympathetic and inclusive. Often, Muslims seem to think that military conquest was the key to the expansion and spread of Islam. But the first Caliphs were careful to honour Christianity and Judaism, as set out in the holy Qu’rãn; they were humble enough to visit the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus Christ had been buried and to do so in the robes of a pilgrim. Some even wept when they heard of mass conversion to Islam, as they felt this was the result of opportunism, rather than real faith.

In a world where we are learning to our cost what fundamentalism and intolerance mean, I think it is a shame that some (albeit a small number of) Muslims seek confrontation with other religions, rather than honouring what the holy Qu’rãn actually teaches about compassion, tolerance and respect.

What are the perils to the West in continuing to subscribe to a Eurocentric version of history? Do you think that an imbalance of power continues to define the way individuals from less enabled regions think about themselves?  Do you think that in the next thirty years or so this insularity of thought will be remedied?

Ignorance is dangerous because it breeds misunderstanding, fear and hatred. The problem of Eurocentric history is that is starts with the assumption that the West/Europe was always destined to lead the world. What history actually teaches is that the period from c.1600-2000 was a good time for Europe, an age of empire, of wealth and enlightenment. But that does not mean that the sun will always shine on the West. Indeed, my own view is that the sun is setting and that a new world is emerging, based on the ancient Silk Roads.

The lands lying across the spine of Asia are important for their mineral wealth (oil and gas, uranium and rare earths, copper, aluminium, gold and so on), but also are vital because they are weaving together in a way that looks very familiar to me. Our lack of knowledge about their importance in the past can prove problematic – many of these countries have proud histories and we should learn about them and respect the fact that these are highly sophisticated societies, and not, as we often think in Europe, states that need reform, help and civilization.

With insularity, who knows? We seem to be much better in the modern age at breaking and destroying than we are at building. Recent decades show a pretty disastrous record in repairing, consolidating and getting failed/failing states back up on their knees. To use a cricketing metaphor, sometimes you need a slow, boring partnership to stop the clattering fall of wickets.

The route of the ancient silk roads saw the birth of new religions being born and the spread of empires and of ideas. You’ve compared this flux to the phenomenon of globalization. Please explain this comparison in terms of the ways in which ideas are disseminated in the modern world.

As a species, we are extremely interested in ideas and learning. We love to try new things, new tastes and new experiences, and we like to find out what is important in life. In that sense, sharing ideas about the divine and about the purpose of our existence (and what happens to us after we die) is part of the process of acquiring knowledge and wisdom. So, naturally, one learns from the most educated, the most pious, the best examples of living a good life. That is why we revere scholars, holy people and artisans because they are showing something of the human condition at its most pure.

On a more practical, day to day level, the process is not too dissimilar. We all want to know where the tastiest food comes from, the finest clothes, the most beautiful books. And our ancestors were the same even thousands of years ago. That is why one finds guidebooks written by some of the great scholars of the past in the Islamic world not only about philosophy, science and mathematics, but also how to value the finest shields, where to buy the  best ceramics and how to enjoy the most glorious banquets. Chinese writers wrote about that too, so did Indian writers; and Persian authors; and those in Europe. We are a curious and wondrous species!

What is your favorite period in history? Would you choose to travel back in time or continue in the present?

As a historian, I would love to travel back in time. If you can make that happen, I’d be very excited!

I would ideally choose several different periods and regions: I would want to go Baghdad and Constantinople around the year 850 to see great courts at their peak. I would want to visit the Khmer Empire and Angor Wat around 1100. I’d like to see the Mongols at their finest, ideally not during their periods of conquest, but after things had calmed down. I would particularly like to have visited Lahore at the time of Ranjit Singh and to see the “little grey mouse” for myself. And I have always had a soft spot for Russia in the late 1800s too.

The main thing I would insist on, however, is that if I did go back in time, I would want to be a figure of high status. I don’t think any period in the past would be fun if you were poor, oppressed, ill or hungry. We sometimes forget that glorious ages in the past were glorious if you happened to be at the top of the pyramid. Could you ensure that for me too, please?!

Which historical personages do you admire the most and why? Are there any ancient figures from the Indo-Pak region that you feel are particularly exciting?

I admire people from the past who left a legacy. I particularly revere authors and writers whose work survives because that tells me they were saying something interesting and important that was worth preserving. In the same way, I admire those who designed and created buildings that are works of great beauty. So Wazir Khan is on my list for the spectacular mosque in Lahore; or Hakim Ilmuddin Ansari for the Shahi Hammam too. Of course, that would lead me too to the great Mughal emperors and their patronage not only in Lahore and the Punjab, but across a much wider region. Perhaps it is no surprise that my favourites are Akbar the Great and Jahangir. They made our world a richer and more beautiful place.

What was your experience in Pakistan like? Were there any major surprises during the course of your trip? 

I came to Pakistan at a very difficult time, just a few days after the terrible bomb in Lahore. I was struck by the courage of the city and by the anger that people felt with the intolerance that lay behind this awful act. Lahore has a proud tradition of respecting its inhabitants and visitors, and is famous for its hospitality. I was able to see and experience this myself when I was in the city. Despite the horrors, I was impressed by the optimism of all I spoke to and the determination that we should learn to cooperate and respect each other, rather than allow hatred and fear to take over.

There’s a Confucian saying on the study of history “Study the past if you would define the future.” What advice would you give to young, emerging historians?

We can all find it hard to change our minds about how we look at the world around us, past, present and future, so it is important keep an open mind. The key for any historian, young or old, is to keep reading, looking and asking questions. The world is changing and if you study history, you quickly learn that it always has been. Change is nothing new, and it is not something to be scared of.

Tell us about the growing trend of Athleisurewear?

We at TFC felt that there was a plain lack of Athleisure clothes available in Pakistan. Whatever is offered, at least 90 percent of the population cannot afford and whatever is in the market, whether retail or online is either export leftovers or fakes.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION ABOUT TFC

We do not design or create any of our products, at the moment. As true believers of a fit lifestyle, we formed a multi-brand online one stop shop The Fitness Company for men, women and kids. Activewear is fashionable and multi-purpose. The latest technologies of Quick dry, a fabric woven with strategically placed holes, absorbing the sweat and then evaporateing it, are a real necessity in Pakistan. We all agreed that quality is a top priority, then affordability and finally trendiness.

Demand in the Summer has risen for for BFA free water bottles, Quick Dry products, and fun bathing suits

HOW DID YOU BEGIN THIS PROJECT AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED? 

We are three partners, who happened to be at the same point in our lives at the same time. We are all very health conscious and lead active lifestyles, for two partners that include kids too. Maryam Salman with her background in public relations and marketing is the one to come up with the online store idea. Enter Malika Khan, a mother of two, lawyer by education, teacher by profession and now a stay-at-home mom, is an efficient organizer and got in touch with Mariam Kamran. The latter is a yoga freak who leads a healthy adventurous lifestyle with her three kids and is a die hard Pakistani living in China and is also the sourcing head. Malika and Maryam live in Lahore selling nationwide, while Mariam does the search and sourcing.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW PRODUCTS FOR THIS SEASON?

In Menswear Quick Dry is highly sought after. Demand in the Summer has risen for BFA free water bottles, Quick Dry socks and fun bathing suits. Excellent quality weights gloves, even boxing gloves for men are frequently requested as well. Sublimation or mix of colour and design in stretch fabric has been the primary focus for Womenswear. Our aides, such as knee grips and shoulder braces had to be restocked as well.

WHAT ARE THE COLOURS IN FASHION? 

Colours in fashion are neon with green and yellow topping the list, at least for us.

WHERE DO YOU SOURCE THE PRODUCTS AND WHERE ARE THEY MADE? 

They are primarily made in China, but we are constantly looking for quality and hip stuff. We go to the source of manufacturing of products and then order our stuff. We have explored manufacturing in Pakistan, however at the moment we didn’t find anything suitable to our requirements.

WHAT BRANDS DO YOU CARRY?

Lucky Sailing and Deutscher.

HOW ARE YOUR PRODUCTS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS IN THE MARKET E.G. NIKE ETC.?

We offer better prices, colours and sizes than what is available in the local market. We have new stock available every eight weeks. As Pakistanis we understand what our people want.

We offer better prices, colours and sizes than what is available in the local market. We have new stock available every eight weeks. As Pakistanis we understand what our people want

WHAT IS THE PRICE POINT?

While pricing, our biggest concern was that our products should be easily affordable for the middle class as well and the feedback has confirmed our concern.

WHERE ARE THEY AVAILABLE?

Online, Facebook, Instagram and Turbooz.

What is your marketing strategy? 

Our marketing strategy is based on the philosophy behind The Fitness Company: ‘Fitness is a Lifestyle’ .We try and market our products not just to sell but also create awareness in the general public. There is a need to educate people, for want of a better word, that affordable good quality sportswear is as necessary as a good workout. As fitness enthusiasts we realized that there is no platform for educating people about eating healthy and regularly exercising. After all we are perishable items too 😉

DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE? 

The three of us have very diverse personalities and lives. The common factor is that we all like to wear comfortable and stylish clothes, hence, Athleisure suits all three of ours lifestyle.

WHO IS YOUR GO-TO STYLE INSPIRATION?

Individuality is part of our philosophy of life. Each human being, as they evolve, develops a sense of style. We feel that there is no one go-to Guru. It’s all about being you and maintaining a keen eye on the trends too.

HOW HAS THE RESPONSE BEEN REGARDING YOUR LINE?

E-commerce is on the rise in Pakistan. To date we are the only online store to be providing fitness gear and wear. Whether you need a waist brace or a knee grip to gym bags, water bottles, we have it all. So far the response that we have been getting is not over whelming but surprisingly well. We receive orders from, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Hyderabad and Gujrat, which has shown us that people do respond to quality and affordability.

WHERE DO YOU SEE IT IN 5 YEARS? 

We hope to be able to understand the market better focusing on the quick dry technology, cuts, styles and fabric. Pakistan’s textile industry is in the top manufacturing countries of sports goods and apparel and to have our own line manufactured here is definitely on the cards. With all high brands being manufactured in Pakistan, The Fitness Company feels it’s all positive.

DID YOU RECEIVE INSTANT SUCCESS IN PAKISTAN OR DO YOU THINK IT NEEDS MORE TIME AND AWARENESS TO BREAK THE EMBROIDERY CRAZE?

There is no such thing as instant success. You start small and let it grow. Sales have dipped during the embroidered lawn  galore season, but they haven’t stopped, so we are optimistic. Also, we are only four months old in this massive market.

IDEALLY WHO WOULD YOU WANT AS A SPOKESMAN FOR YOUR LINE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD?

Definitely a Pakistani! Let’s see who, soon.

DESCRIBE YOUR LINE IN 3 WORDS?

Comfortable, affordable, and trendy.

FAVOURITE QUOTE ABOUT FITNESS

“FIT IS NOT A DESTINATION. IT’ S A WAY OF LIFE”

By Sana Zehra

Ali Rashid breaks all the clichés we have of what a politician looks like. The youngest ex MPA of his tenure at the Sind Assembly & now one of the youngest MNAs, stylish, poised and well put together are some of the many adjectives that I think of when I look at this dashing young man.

Ali has achieved so much at such a young age; he’s a lawyer by profession and currently a consultant for all the major multinational companies in Pakistan because of which he is also one of the highest tax payers in the National Assembly. Most of all he’s an impeccable human being as many tell me.

The first time I met Ali Rashid was at a get together and he introduced himself as just Ali, and not with his title at that time that many were proudly introducing themselves as.

So here is Ali in the hot seat for GT.

So Ali Rashid what’s your story?

No story as such. I’m just a common man with some ideas and dreams of wanting to make Pakistan a better place and doing my bit.

having studied from the Karachi American School and then doing law from London, people from your circle usually stay away from politics. Why politics and why the MQM?

It may sound cliched but I always wanted to make a difference by doing something for the country. All the parties are breeding grounds for family/dynastic politics. The only party which doesn’t have that and promotes on merit is the MQM, a party in which having wealth and a political linage are not prerequisites. I have been fascinated by the founder and leader of MQM, Altaf Hussain who founded a major political party at the age of 25 and by the time he was 31 his party was ruling Karachi, Hyderabad, etc. with Mayors, Senators, MNAs, MPAs. He never took any public office himself nor did he give one to his family members. All these things are admirable. In this day and age, many can talk the talk but very few can walk the walk.

“There should be rule of law and no one should be above the law. The law should be the same for the poor, middle class and the wealthy. If the traffic warden stops a guy on the motorbike for not stopping at a red light, he should do the same to a person in an S.U.V. or a Merc”

There are many presenting issues about women in Pakistan what is one issue that is very close to your heart and why?

Domestic violence, honour killings, rape, harassment, etc. I feel all of these issues are close to my heart and need immediate attention of the government. As men, we should respect women. A man is born through a woman, he is raised by a woman, he falls in love with a woman, marries a woman. I am surprised at the man who doesn’t respect women.

With three titles under your belt (lawyer, consultant and politician) which one do you enjoy being/practicing the most and why?

I don’t consider myself a politician. I prefer being called a political worker. Politics is something I enjoy the most because it is very fulfilling. Nothing feels better than being there helping out the poor and the downtrodden people. You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

I read a very interesting paper by Omar Ayub Khan where he has suggested that MNAs should focus on the real job that has been assigned to them by the constitution once they are out of the “district council syndrome” and  not be entitled to funds or any developmental projects regarding Sui gas, electricity etc. What would you like to say about that?

I agree with him. It’s the job of the third tier of the government to do these things i.e. local government. Unfortunately, in our country the lust for power prevented the provincial governments to have local bodies elections although it is part of the Constitution. Finally, we will have a Mayor in Karachi and things will change for the better. We shall make Karachi clean and green like we did last time we had the Mayorship.

“I’m very accessible. Our leader has taught us that a position in the MQM is a responsibility, not a privilege. I am very active and responsive on social media. I interact with my constituents and the general public on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and there have been many instances where I’ve resolved their issues without them having to physically come to my office. Having said that, I have a walk-in MNA office in my constituency. Anyone can come to see me without a prior appointment and it’s on a first come first serve basis, we don’t have a parchi culture where important people get to jump the line”

What do you think are the underlying causes of violence in Pakistan?

Illiteracy, unemployment and more than anything else, disregard for the law. There should be rule of law and no one should be above the law. The law should be the same for the poor, middle class and the wealthy. If the traffic warden stops a guy on the motorbike for not stopping at a red light, he should do the same to a person in a SUV or a Merc.

There is a misconception about you that whereas other MQM workers and MNAs like Haider Rizvi choose to sit on the floor, you maintain a distance from the common. Would you like to shed some light on that?

As the question states itself, it’s a misconception. I am a commoner myself, hence, cannot distance myself from the common. It’s just I prefer to stand than sit. If you ever visit me at my office or see me at events, I’m always on my feet, walking around, rarely sitting.

Do you believe in falling in love more than once? Do you believe in monogamous relationships or is polygamy something you favour as well?

I believe love defies reason or logic hence anything is possible. But yes I am a strict advocate of monogamous relationships. If it’s not working out, end it and move on, then you are free to do whatever you want.

What song best describes Pakistani politics

Sab ganda hai per dhanda haiyeh. (Everything is dirty and a profession.) Doesn’t apply to the MQM of course.

Being in your position, having everything going for you, I am sure you attract a lot of attention from the opposite sex. How do you handle it?

(Smiling) I don’t know what you are talking about.

What is one misconception people have about you.

Apparently, that I don’t like sitting down on the floor, according to you. Haha!

If you were to become one superhero what would you become.

Superman. Although I will have a very difficult time changing into my superhero outfit due to the lack of telephone booths in Karachi.

You took a selfie while resigning your seat. Were you really that happy tendering your resignation?

It was just a selfie, I didn’t get why the channels had to show it as breaking news and play selfie songs in the background. It was not about being happy. But yes I wasn’t sad either. Positions mean nothing to us. The pretext of resigning was that we were not being able to deliver to the masses due to hindrances created by the government, so we were not interested in ceremonial positions and decided to resign.

How honest are you?

As honest as one can be in a given situation.

What item is in your closet that you wear the most

My pjs, I change into them as soon as I get home, even if I’m only home for an hour or two.

What is on your nightstand?

I get to read a lot of non fiction material because of the field I’m in. For leisure I read mostly suspense thriller novels. Dan Brown, Harlen Coben, Lee Child, James Patterson, Simon Kernick, Paulo Coelho, etc. are a few of my favourite authors. I’ve read every single book of these authors.

If you were to hire a fashion designer to make your whole wardrobe who would it be and why?

Maybe Giorgio Armani. I think Pakistan has a lot of talent. Some of the Pakistani designers are doing a fantastic job such as AsimJofa, Deepak Perwani, HSY, Nomi Ansari, Amir Adnan, Zari Faisal, HumayunAlamgir, etc.

People generally have this misconception about Parliamentarians that they are difficult to meet. How accessible are you to the general public?

I’m very accessible. Our leader has taught us that a position in the MQM is a responsibility, not a privilege. I am very active and responsive on social media. I interact with my constituents and the general public on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and there have been many instances where I’ve resolved their issues without them having to physically come to my office.

Having said that, I have a walk-in MNA office in my constituency. Anyone can come to see me without a prior appointment and it’s on a first come first serve basis, we don’t have a parchi culture where important people get to jump the line.

What do you think about Mustafa Kamal’s comeback?

No comment.

Stylist: Rao Ali Khan

Hair & styling: Clippers for men

Photography: a.bilgrami studios

Hissam Haider, or Namoo as he is known to his friends, is ranked as Asia’s best polo player. He shares with Mahlia Lone his experience of playing professional polo at the best clubs and tournaments the world over

You are ranked in the top 5% of the world’s polo players and the best polo player in Asia. How much of this is inborn talent and how much hard work?

Polo has been in my family for a century almost so I think it’s a big part of my DNA apart from being my passion. You have to keep practising to stay ahead of the game and maintain or improve your handicap.

What is your typical day?

My typical day includes waking up and hitting the gym, then either playing a polo game or practising. Sometimes during the peak polo season I play multiple games a day. I try and fit golf in where I can too.

Receiving the trophy from the Queen at the Royal Windsor Cup 2013

You were taught to play by your father, who himself had a handicap of four. At what age did you start playing? How did you build on that skill and excel? your current handicap is six. Can you explain in layman’s terms what that means?

I started riding at 3 and was playing by 11 or so. I actually wanted to be a professional golfer when I was younger, but growing up on polo fields made this the obvious choice of profession. It just sort of worked out in my favour when I got a lucky break at 18.

Knowing how to ride well is essential as well being aware of your surroundings and being able to be a good team player.

Handicaps go up to 10, but that is quite rare in the world of polo and is in the 1st percentile. I’m a 6 goaler in the 5th percentile. You can well imagine that there are only a small number of us, especially compared to other sports in the world.

You have played snow polo also. Can you tell us about that experience? Is it slippery and treacherous with horses skidding or do they have special horse shoes, like cars have snow tires?

They have special balls at snow polo, which are much larger than the regular polo balls and bright orange. The experience of playing snow polo was amazing. I played for Cartier and I scored the winning goal. Playing on ice is very tough and it’s much harder to gain control of the ball. It was always my dream to play in St. Moritz and I’m glad we brought back the cup!

What are some exotic locations that you have played at? What are some differences you have noted in the polo clubs at these places?

Oh wow! Quite a few, Barbados though is on top of the exotic list, as is Chile. Argentina is a regular as well as I have an extremely enjoyable season there and play with an amazing patron and one of my close friends, Satinder Garcha.

Playing at Windsor, you hobnob with royalty on their home ground at a time when they are relaxed and enjoying their downtime. Please share some interesting anecdotes with us.

We see royalty often at Guards Polo Club, Windsor. Prince Philip is a regular, but is a very private person and does not like being disturbed. Tourists don’t understand this so we have seen some amusing interactions. In a public setting (e.g. at an event) he is a very witty man and quite fun to be around.

The experience of playing snow polo was amazing. I played for Cartier and I scored the winning goal. Playing on ice is very tough and it’s much harder to gain control of the ball. It was always my dream to play in St. Moritz and I’m glad we brought back the cup!

What about the junior royals, especially William and Harry? What are they like?

Prince Harry plays often and enjoys the polo scene; he’s a chilled out guy.

How was meeting the Queen when she awarded you a trophy at the Royal Windsor Cup 2013? What is she like? Is there indeed a regal aura about her?

She is the Queen! We see her often at the club as well. She attends the majority of the bigger tournament events. Being awarded the Royal Windsor Cup 2013trophy by her was an honour for me and even more so to have the Pakistani flag stitched on my shirt and jeans whilst receiving the trophy. That’s one of my favourite parts of the whole scene.

We see royalty often at Guards Polo Cub, Windsor. Prince Philip is a regular, but is a very private person and does not like being disturbed. Tourists don’t understand this so we have seen some amusing interactions. In a public setting (e.g. at an event) he is a very witty man and quite fun to be around. Prince Harry plays often and enjoys the polo scene; he’s a chilled out guy. We see Queen Elizabeth often at the club as well. She attends the majority of the bigger tournaments and events. Being awarded the royal windsor cup 2013 trophy by her was an honour for me and even more so to have the Pakistani flag stitched on my shirt and jeans whilst receiving the trophy. That’s one of my favourite parts of the whole scene. 

Tell us about the Thai Polo Open that you recently played in.

Had a fantastic time, again played with one of my closest friends, Aron Harilela and I always have a great time with him.

You also play golf. How are the two sports similar in their swings? Does one sport complement the other? Could that be one of the factors of your success?

It is possible, yes! I love golf and play a couple of times a week!

What is your diet and exercise regiment during training?

I gym a couple of times a week, play golf, polo practises, polo games and generally eat a balanced diet. I try to stay as fit as possible but can be hard when you’re in Pakistan during the Lahore polo season.

Team Cartier wins the Snow Polo Cup in St. Moritz

How does a professional athlete like you handle the mental pressure of playing in tournaments?

You can’t take too much stress or you will crack. You have to be a good sport and just play your best every time. I like watching the TV show Britain’s Got Talent before games, as it inspires me.

Tell us about polo groupies. What are the most extreme antics displayed by some?

Well polo is not only a sport but a kind of lifestyle and people get somewhat obsessed with it, so the diplomatic answer would be that you find some really interesting people hanging out at polo and trying to be a part of the scene. It’s definitely not all glitz and glamour, it’s a pro/amateur game and that means amateurs pay professionals to play for them. It’s the only sport in the world that has that build up of players, therefore, results are expected and that’s the reality of polo. You have to be on top of your game to stay booked.

What would you like to see improve in the Pakistani polo scene?

I like how the polo scene has evolved and become more professional. I think as time goes by this will happen even more so. My dad Irfan Ali Hyder is the president of the polo club currently, and I think he’s doing an amazing job, if I may say so myself.

You wear the Pakistani flag proudly on your uniform’s sleeve and jeans back pocket. What gave you that idea and has that ever elicited any comments, negative or positive?

I’m a patriotic person and love to show off my roots, I also have it on the horses padding on their backs and anywhere I can fit the flag in actually. Love being a walking, talking Pakistani representative (for lack of a better description). I think people in Pakistan love it. People in England didn’t even find out till recently that I’m actually a British citizen. In regards to negative comments, I never pay any heed. It is what it is and I am what I am!

What is the difference between playing and travelling when single as opposed to now with your wife Alyzeh?

There is definitely more routine in my life, and I cannot stress on how important it is to have a supportive life partner. Also we are best friends first and always have a great time wherever we go.

I’m a patriotic person and love to show off my roots, I also have it on the horses padding on their backs and anywhere I can fit the flag in actually. Love being a walking, talking Pakistani representative (for lack of a better description). I think people in Pakistan love it. People in England didn’t even find out till recently that I’m actually a British citizen. In regards to negative comments, I never pay any heed. It is what it is and I am what I am!

Anything else you would like to tell our readers?

Sports kept me out of trouble while growing up, it is so important for children to be well rounded, especially for this social media generation. Encouraging sports in a child’s life means the child will enjoy something other than textbooks or YouTube and actually go out daily, get some Vitamin D and focus on being a good sport and competitor.

Beauty, confidence and success are a few words that define Hina. She has proven over time that she is not just a pretty face. As she goes from strength to strength with a thriving business and having a seat in the provincial assembly, Hina sits down with Faiza Murad and with refreshing candor reveals what makes her tick

A politician, entrepreneur, a mother and recently a student again, how do you manage it all?

I am a very energetic person and I believe being a woman teaches you to multitask. I take each day as it comes and try my level best to give my all in anything I do. I wake up and I think to myself, how can I make a difference in someone’s life today? Being a politician gives you that opportunity to try changing a common man’s life. As for being a student again, I have enrolled in Esmod College, Dubai. I feel it’s a plus point to have an academic background in fashion so I have set my sights on achieving that.

From medicine to entrepreneurship, was that a sudden change of heart?

Like any other child, I wanted to please my parents. My mother wanted me to become a doctor. I however always looked up to my father who was an entrepreneur. It was only when I once went to pick my friend up from LUMS that I realized this is the place where I want to be. This is where I belong. That was the turning point in my life.

You are the daughter of a successful businessman who is also close to the political party you represent. Did that pave the way for your political career?

My father has always been my mentor and has been a very strong force behind me. I have learned a lot from him when it comes to business. As for him being the reason for my political career, I believe that is not true. I was an active member in the youth wing and I worked tirelessly for my party. I was chosen purely on merit.

In Pakistan it is close to impossible for an ordinary man let alone a woman to make it to the Assembly, do you think it’s true?

It used to be, but not anymore. In these general elections, every party came forward with young new faces who were from humble backgrounds and that included women. Female workers are extremely important as they are the ones who are familiar with the grassroot level problems and they have made it, not only to the Provincial but the National Assembly as well. If you are dedicated and work hard then you certainly have a chance.

Do you think politics in Pakistan is still a man’s world

I believe educated and privileged women have come forward in Pakistani politics with an intention of bringing societal change. I don’t think it’s a man’s world anymore. I think we have a wonderful blend of women in the Assembly, including currently a lawyer, a doctor, an economist, a psychologist and a street worker. The dynamics are changing for women now.

You have always been an advocate of women’s empowerment. How do you think you and others like you can achieve that?

I feel strongly for women’s empowerment and I think all women in the Assembly regardless of whichever party they belong to have the same goal, which is to empower other women in our country. I am personally, through my business, employing women in the comfort of their homes in several villages and they are doing exceptionally well. I believe in a society that not only respects but also allows its women to play a strong role in nation building.

Politics in Pakistan is a ruthless business. How do you manage to be heard?

It certainly is. However, women have a higher attendance than men; they bring out more resolutions than men. That says a lot about how serious women are. Recently, my resolution was passed in the Punjab Assembly, which was about how only women photographers should be hired at NADRA and DGIP to facilitate female applicants who are harassed in large numbers at such places.

Do you see yourself as a more successful business woman or politician?

I haven’t ranked myself ever as such, however, I would prefer to be someone who makes a difference in others lives and be a success at that. Each day I set a goal to change the world around me in whichever way I can.

You look better than ever! Any particular diet that you care to share with our readers?

I lost a lot of weight last year. I followed a very strict diet of eating two pieces of fruits and two pieces of lean protein, sticking to 700-800 calories a day with exercising at least thrice a week. I workout religiously and I think that’s the key. Being a Kashmiri, my love for food is obviously there, but I try to maintain a healthy diet as much as I can. I have a detox soup that I take everyday. I would recommend having black coffee, which increases your metabolism.

What is your dream vacation or one destination that would make you grab your passport in a jiffy?

It has to be Cape Town in South Africa. It is an amazing place to unwind and the Table Mountain has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

What is your favorite handbag, one item of clothing and a pair of shoes that you can’t get enough of these days?

When it comes to a bag I always carry my Celine with me. It’s big enough to pop everything into, so it’s convenient. As for clothing, I have a simple black cape in my closet that is my favourite. I can wear it with anything, anytime. Shoes have to be my Valentinos. I want to say Louboutins, but no matter how good they look, they are extremely uncomfortable to wear.

Sara Haider broke onto the scene with her debut performance in Nida Butt’s musical adaption of Grease playing Marty Maraschino. Featured most recently alongside Ali Zafar singing Saleem Raza’s Ae Dil and as the youngest participating musician on Coke Studio, Sara has, at a young age, garnered a formidable fan following and is taking swift strides forward as a much beloved indie musician

How did this all start for you?

I started singing as a hobby. I was a painfully shy kid who would reluctantly get up and sing when asked to at social gatherings. I got over my stage fright when I was much older. However, I loved to sing, so I worked really hard because I wanted to excel. I was putting a lot more heart and soul into my music than I was putting into my degree in economics or anything else that I was doing at the time. In college, I was in a band called Teeen, probably best known in the indie music industry for the song Barishon Main and I did jingles alongside to help pay for the production of our songs.

At this point, I was doing almost anything I was offered whether it was a jingle or jamming with a band or performing at a corporate show. All this work in the initial phase of my career really helped introduce me to some great people and institutions, like T2F (formerly known as The Second Floor), NAPA (National Academy of Performing Arts in Karachi) and Ahsan Bari (established musician and teacher of music theory at NAPA) that are still the invaluable associations that I have and I’m thankful for these.

Then, I got an audition call for Coke Studio where I auditioned and got in. Again that was to help pay the bills since I was still at college. it enabled me to produce more work and record more songs and be able to buy equipment. I was singing back up on Coke Studio and got a little bit of attention. Then, this year, they decided to feature me as a female vocalist for a cover song. People started listening to my original songs and I started to get offers to write songs for films.

How was the experience of being featured on Coke Studio?

My work with Coke Studio really exposed me to what’s behind all the glamour in the industry. It was very educational seeing how much work goes into it and what it means to be a part of such a huge platform where all the biggest artists in the industry are being flown in from all over the world to come perform and the stakes are really high. At 22 years old and doing my dissertation for my economics degree simultaneously, what really inspired me was the idea that I could contribute in some way even by composing harmonies and singing back up vocals. That even somebody like me with very little experience compared to everybody else has a voice and a say in what is transpiring gave me a lot of confidence.

Tell us about the musical play Grease that you debuted in?

Grease was amazing and was especially good for disciplining me. It was a 4 month rehearsal process for 12 hours a day. For someone like me, who was trying to do 10,000 things at one time, it taught me how to be completely focused in doing one thing at a time. It was also the first time that I had been in front of a live audience with all the big shiny names in the industry showing up to watch us. It was packed every night and it was brilliant and a bit unnerving to be featured alongside superstars, such as Ayesha Omer and Sanam Saeed.

Have you always been inclined towards acting?

Appearing in Grease was my first experience of performing where I was doing more than singing, writing or composing. I had told Nida Butt, the director initially that I could sing but not act. Sanam (Saeed) was so helpful and used to sit me down and step by step go over every single line of mine with me and teach me how to act. This experience made me realise that acting is not far removed from singing. If you’re singing, especially a song that somebody else has written, for those three odd minutes, you have to put yourself in the writers’ shoes. It’s a pure emotion and you have to really connect with the sentiment of Reshma Jee, Nazia Hassan, Ella Fitzgerald or whoever’s song it is that you’re singing. In this way, acting wasn’t too far removed from what I had already been doing and it sort of came naturally to me.

What are you doing currently and where are you looking to go from here?

I sang backup for Ahsan Bari at NAPA for over four and a half years, which I still do sometimes. Coke Studio and Grease taught me how big I can be in this game, while performing in India, studying with Ahsan Bari and working with NAPA taught me how small I am as a musician and how much further there is to go. I think that having a sense of balance is important.

I’m currently training, learning how to read sheet music, training with my ustad (teacher), listening to folk music and really discovering music for the first time in my life. So for me at this point to say where I will end up is too much of a long shot since anything is possible. Previously, the only songs that I had thought that I could ever do were pop songs and I didn’t even ever think that blues or jazz was something that I could do but now, I mean, who knows?

If you were to put together a band of your favourite musicians from any time and any place, who would be in it?

From those that I’ve heard live, it would be all round musician Mekaal Hassan and drummer Gumbi. From those I have heard recorded, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedesch and definitely George Harrison, Ravi Shankar and Anushka Shankar would be playing in my dream band.

What’s currently on your iPod?

I have 6 different versions of Dekha Day Rang Apna, one is on the metronome, another has no backing vocals in it and a third has half a snare and so on. It’s part of my working process. My phone is filled with just half complete songs. Apart from these, I currently have Laila O Laila by Rostam Mirlashari, Sarak Sarak by the Mai Dhai Band and Awaargi by Ghulam Hussain to name a few. The last one I’m trying to learn, so it makes sense to listen to it as much as possible and especially since I’m trying to sing authentically in Punjabi and Siraiki and other different regional Pakistani languages.

As a female music artist, how do you feel about the state of women in your industry?

People will say so many different things about you, especially if you’re a woman. They point fingers and speculate about your married life and say things like, “Oh, but how is she going to make time for the kids?” All the women that I know in fashion, music or show business are really tough. They all do very different things from each other but they’re all in their own rights extremely tough women.

What I really like about the song Dekha Day Rang Apna and its video is it’s treatment. It doesn’t just represent a girl in the music industry, it’s about any person. It’s not about that poor girl in a boy’s club; it’s about someone trying to figure out their way in going about what it is that they want to do.

You’ve done one short play and Grease; are you interested in taking up more work acting?

Yeah definitely, I would love to act. Music was something that I worked at and was something that I really chased but acting was just something that found me. The recent Levi’s commercial I did with Jami featuring my song Dekha Day Rang Apna has me acting in it. Music is really a visual medium. Singers have to act in their videos and on stage. I’d love to do a movie; I think it’d be really fun. Music is just really about interacting with your audience whatever your style. It’s always somehow an act because no matter what you’re feeling when you go up on stage, you have to be the person everyone expects to see.

—By Saba Ahmed