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September 01-15 – 2019

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The fact that social media runs our lives might just be the biggest understatement of the 21st Century (at least so far). Ever since the invention of the internet, technological integration in our lives has increased rapidly. This snowball started gathering speed with the advent of smartphones and online social platforms. Now it’s become an almost indispensable part of our daily routine. We use social media to not only interact with friends, but also to stay up-to-date with news and trends, to humour ourselves with memes, for entertainment, to shop and to even find love.

Long gone are the days of dial-up internet, where it would take ages to simply log on. We only had access to handful of avenues for digital interaction, MSN Messenger, Myspace and Orkut to name a few. We are currently inundated with a plethora of apps to choose from and every day newer ones are being created to distract us from the monotony of our lives. The power of social media and the connectivity it brings with it is such that even workplaces are being merged with it. Facebook, in fact, has a whole platform dedicated to creating more efficient online work experiences called (quite unimaginatively I must add) Workplace. Moreover, apps such as Slack are now being used frequently by teams to interact with each other online.

What this does is bring about increased access to those around us and the world at large. However, it definitely brings problems with it as well. I’m not going to go into a long-winded debate here about the merits of social media versus its faults; what I’m going to do is talk about how those who wish to take a break from this constant need to be “online” can achieve their goal.
Recently, I find myself repeating the same thing: “I would like to go on a social media detox.” We all know detoxes are all the rage with us millennials. So while we invest a lot of time and energy (and money) in our juice cleanses for a cleaner body, we ignore the most important detox of all: the mental one. We’re all aware of the pernicious effects of social media on our mental health, so it’s only fair that we occasionally try to reboot our systems. However, we’re quite unable to — that is the deep integration of tech in our lives.

Just the other day I was having this discussion with our Editor-in-Chief, Mehek Raza Rizvi, where I once again mentioned my need for a social media detox. She nodded assent, but also pointed out that although this is a thought she consistently has, it’s quite hard to execute. I understood her point; with the extent to which we rely on social media, going on a detox can be daunting. Even when we’re on holiday, we find ourselves on one app or the other. So perhaps what needs to be changed is the way we use social media, rather than abandoning it entirely (and failing miserably at it).

Therefore, this fortnight I’ll be guiding you on ways to make simple adjustments to your lives that can allow for a reduction in your active digital time. The funny thing is that the tools for such a task are built into our phones.
Firstly, we need to gauge how much time we’re spending on our phones or the computer and within that, what chunks of time are spent on idling around on social media apps. Many phones and computers now have software that measures screen time for us. If yours doesn’t, then download apps such as “Freedom” or “Space.”

The second step is to set limits on apps. A few weeks ago, on a very busy work day, I decided to set limits on all apps that had nothing to do with work and where I found myself spending most of my time. It worked like a charm! For five hours, I had no access to my Twitter or Instagram feeds, I wasn’t able to play any games on my phone and there were no random Snapchat messages that needed my attention. Once again, these are built-in features in most modern phones and computers, but other software can be downloaded to help with this.

You just need to figure out what apps are taking up most of your time and aren’t related to your work at all. Obviously, if your work is also heavily integrated with social media, then logging out of your personal accounts can help. Or see if you can use a separate work phone. Turning off post notifications allows further distance from apps. One thing that seems to work for a lot of people around me is to simply delete certain apps. Many tend to delete Facebook and Twitter off their phones, choosing only to access them via a computer. This allows freedom from scrolling during commutes. Instead, you have time to pick up a book!
Another way to reduce endless, mind-numbing scrolling is to put on your “Do Not Disturb” feature at night. This way you won’t get distracted by notifications or the glare of your screen while you’re trying to fall asleep.

These are just some of the things that I’ve been practicing to reduce my screen time and the stress that social media usage inflicts on us. So far, it’s going quite well. But as with everything, sometimes you need a full detox. I’m planning on disconnecting entirely soon and seeing how that goes for me.

What are some of the ways you disconnect? Reach out to us (ironically) on our social media and let us know.

Three fashion-savvy girls from Lahore style contemporary and chic couture by Zuria Dor with their own unique
twist. Browse through for inspiration

Bushra Mustafa wears this bridal with a ruffled lehnga in a contrasting shade. She accesorises with diamonds and rubies and goes for a minimal hair and makeup look to let the focus remain on the outfit

A vision in this heavily worked, front open pishwas, Saira Tiwana wears the outfit with kundan earrings and lets her hair loose. Since the dupatta and top are elaborately embellished, her lehnga is kept plain

Mahnoor Latif proves sorbet hues are a hit with wedding wear. This outfit, that she paired with a delicate kundan string and matching earrings, is a versatile piece that can be worn on both a mehndi or reception

Bushra channels her inner Cinderella in this mettalic lehnga choli. This is a classic look, completed with a diamonds and sapphire neck piece and matching earrings

 

A collection dedicated to the masterful artisans of the Subcontinent, highlighting the intricacy and delicacy of their work. Shot at the historic ‘Umer Hayat Mahal’ in Chiniot, Naqsh puts our culture, architecture and extensive artistic heritage front and centre.

Brand: Saira Rizwan

Collection: Naqsh

Production: Centaur One

Muse: Urwa Hocane

Photographer: Adnan Qazi

Jewellery: Hamna Amir

Makeup: Azeem Abbasi

 

The beautiful Armeena Khan proves time and again that she’s a lot more than just a pretty face. In her exclusive chat with Mehek Raza Rizvi, she talks about her work as an actress and humanitarian, life at home and keeping it real

Which projects have you been working on recently?

I’m currently in negotiations for a secret project, but will announce it publicly in due course. Once I have everything planned out I’ll be able to talk more about it with exact details.

As a woman, have you experienced any inherent prejudices in your line of work?

I don’t think I’ve faced any prejudices in the media (perhaps a project or two, but nothing major). However, it’s true that a male voice is taken more seriously than a woman’s voice when it comes to negotiations. I feel women’s rights in South Asian culture need to be rectified in general. We need to come in line with the rest of the world.

I remember when I was working in the corporate world in the UK there was a discrepancy in salaries. My male colleagues were paid a lot more than me and my female colleagues. Things have changed for the better since then because women are a lot more aware of their rights now and have raised their voice against the disparity. There’s still a long way to go though; this is a global movement and it’s going to take time.

You joined hands with the Human Relief Foundation to collect donations for Syrian refugees. Tell us about your humanitarian work.

My experience with the Human Relief Foundation has proven to be quite rewarding. I will continue my work with them because the Syrian cause is very close to my heart.

In terms of other humanitarian work, I’ve officially been signed on as the brand ambassador for the Graham Layton Trust (GLT), which is committed to providing free treatment for curable blindness and visual impairment in Pakistan. So far the trust has been able to treat 41 million patients and are continuing to grow.

“It’s not appropriate to support armed conflict under the guise of self-interest. I think one should be very responsible, especially someone in her position” Armeena on calling out Priyanka Chopra

You claimed Priyanka Chopra’s team harassed you after you called her out on Twitter for supporting war, despite being a UN Goodwill Ambassador. How did you handle the situation?

I’ve visited the same refugee camps as Priyanka Chopra; it’s heart-wrenching, especially when war-ridden families share their stories with you. The reason why I called her out was because I don’t understand how she can support war in any capacity after seeing its repercussions.

It’s not appropriate to support armed conflict under the guise of self-interest. One should be very responsible, particularly someone in her position. I’m sure she’s a great actress, but her stance on war is ill-advised.

As for her team attacking me, they did so by using twitter bots which I brought to public attention earlier as well. I recognised this because of the timing and style of posting. It was discouraging for me to see, but I’ll respond to it in due time, in an appropriate fashion.

The fame and influence celebrities enjoy puts responsibility on them to use it wisely. Do you ever feel burdened by the constant spotlight?

I don’t really subscribe to the word “celebrity.” I’m just a person who happens to have a job in the movie and television business. It’s no different to any other job, except for the fact that we’re in the limelight and more people recognise us. As for the pressure, I used to feel it in the past, but I’ve grown up with every character I’ve played. As time has gone on, I’ve understood what it means to be a public figure and the responsibilities that come with it.

I feel it’s provided me with platforms to raise my voice and lend it to those who don’t have it. I try to use my fame in a positive way and, hopefully, this process will continue as I grow.

I’m very interactive with my fans; I like to be in the know with what they’re thinking, what their needs are and in the future, I’d also like to know what they want to watch. It’s also because I listen to them that I’m restraining myself from appearing in stereotypical roles that portray women as weak. I feel the responsibility is on me and I have to make smart choices. I try not to engage too much in the shiny, glittery culture that we see in mainstream media. I don’t want to use social media to flash designer bags and bling; I’m trying to offer people an alternative. Something different to aspire to.

“Just keep checking my social media and one day you’ll see that I’m married!”

What’s the best and worst thing about your job?

The best thing about my job is that I can be whomever I want to be through my roles. It gives me a sense of freedom that I otherwise wouldn’t have in real life.

The worst thing about my job is the politics. I feel there’s enough work for everyone in the industry to co-exist. I don’t appreciate petty jockeying. It really bothers me. People should be supportive of each other and not just selectively. One rule should apply to everyone.

“I’m restraining myself from appearing in stereotypical roles that portray women as weak”

You announced your engagement in 2017. When will we be hearing of a wedding date?

Very soon. Sooner than you think. Just keep checking my social media and one day you’ll see that I’m married!

Tell us about your childhood.

I had an amazing childhood, one that people today can only dream of. I was allowed to be a child and I was innocent. I had a lot of friends, toys and my own little garden. I also read a lot. I remember always being in my own fantasy world.

I wish kids today would experience the same magic my generation did. Despite the opportunities social media has brought in our lives, it’s a double-edged sword that pressures children into growing up very early. Their innocence is being taken away — children need to make mistakes, they need to run around freely.

We have our entire lives to be adults, so I consider myself very lucky to have had the childhood I had.

Everyone knows you well as an actress, but what is Armeena Khan like at home?

Armeena Khan is just a normal girl at home. I do what everyone else does. I read, I write, I do my own laundry and I clean my own house. I believe in being independent.  My day job is at an investment company, so I work 9-5 when I’m not acting.

I’m a regular human being, with regular responsibilities and I don’t wish for that to ever change.

“My day job is at an investment company, so I work 9-5 when I’m not acting”

SHORT & SWEET

Film or TV?

Film

Favourite co-star?

I enjoyed my time with Sabeeka Imam a lot. Also, Ibrahim Alavi

A role of yours you think you could have performed better?

Saman of “Bin Roye”

Biggest pet peeve?

Someone being disingenuous

Favorite ‘90s jam?

“Everything” by Aqua and “Savage Garden,” the entire album

Describe your personal style in three words.

Non-fussy, simple, tailored

What’s the last photo you took?

Outside the house that inspired Miss Havisham’s character in “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens

How do you respond to trolls?

Really depends on my mood, but mostly I just ignore them

What’s the last lie you told?

I told my other half, Fesyl Khan, that he looked thin in a suit

Most prized possession?

My memories

Do you have any nicknames?

My family calls me Meena. My fans have all kinds of nicknames like Eena and Mimi

One habit of yours that annoys your family?

My forgetfulness

Photography: Abdullah Haris
Styling: Areesha Chaudhry
Wardrobe: MANGO
Hair & Makeup: Shoaib Khan
Coordination: Osman Rehman

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