Tete-a-tete with Amna Karim

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

 Published in SHE August issue...

Meet Amna Karim. She is a girl with cute and fresh looks, and possesses a marvelous face among the Fashion models. She has established her prominent place in both the Fashion & showbiz Industries within a very short span of time. Her innocent face with a soft smile easily grabs the attention of the people. She has excellent qualities of representing Fashion statements. Other then modeling, she is amazingly making her name in the showbiz ventures, drama & Television too. Like many other Fashion models, Amna is also making use of her acting and modeling abilities on both the platforms. She is also hosting some popular TV shows. Let us see what she speaks about herself.

Q1. Tell something about your hometown, education and background.

I was born in Karachi. I have done my graduation in psychology. My mother Andleeb was a very well known actress of her time. She quit show biz after doing many films.

Q2. How and when did you join media?

I joined media and started my career about three years ago with a small role in a TV Play “Kahanian”. Then I switched to modeling. I have done many TV shoots and fashion shows, but acting is my passion too, besides modeling. So I have continued that as well. 

Q3. Introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a model, host and actress.  And I expect a lot for myself. I want to give my best to achieve my aims. I am a very simple kind of person.  At times I am difficult to know.

Q4. How do you manage life with work?

I manage my work and my personal life well, since my family is very supportive and they understand my basic problems very easily.

Q5.What is your most memorable moment?

The most memorable moment of my life was when I decided to join show business. This changed my life completely.

Q6. Share a few lines on woman empowerment.

The woman of today is very brave and hard working, but she faces some problems too. She has to manage her personal life with her professional life very well. Plus she needs to be well educated and well aware about everything in life. She knows how to get recognition in the society. She has learnt very well how to make use of her power too.

Q7. Who are your favorite designers and photographers?

My favorite designers include HSY, Nomi Ansari and Sonia Batla.   Athar Shehzad, 360 Degree ,Deevs and Khawar Riaz are my favorite photographers. 

Q8. How do you define "Beauty of a woman"?

I think that the beauty of a woman lies in the way she carries herself. The beauty of a woman lies in her exploration: if she knows well about her best traits and qualities. She has to know well about her best attributes. She should know well how to groom herself.

Q9. Tell us about your future and current projects.

I have done many plays so far and doing some too. One of my on air project is “Kahay ko Biyahi Badais” from Geo TV, and my celebrity light comedy show “Bano Tere Abba Ki Oonchi Haveli”. My upcoming projects are “Rang Rangilay”, Karachi Tower and many plays. My most recent ads include fair & lovely and Olpers. Plus I am doing some international projects for film festivals too.

Q10. What difference do you find between acting and modeling?

In modeling you need to take care of your weight, looks and have to be skinny. Plus you should know how to face the modeling world conspiracies against you. There is little kind of dirty politics in the modeling world. For being an actress, you need to have talent, good acting skills and choice of good characters as well. So I think there is a lot of difference in both. 

Q11. How you think, our women can be stronger in their fields of life? How can she deal with the obstacles?

 I think women can be stronger in their fields of life when they get a chance to take their own decision. She can deal well with the obstacles if she doesn’t lose hope and doesn’t lose heart. She needs to prove herself and has to be very determined.

Q12. What is your source of learning?

I learn from my life experiences and other’s lives too.

Q13. What serves as your strength?

My work and my mom are my biggest strengths.

Q14. What is your biggest passion: biggest desire and biggest expectation?

My biggest desire in life is to be an internationally acclaimed actress. I wish to be a very successful person. I also wish to have a good personal (marital) life too.

Q15. Where do you want to see the women of our country? (In terms of progress)

I wish and hope to see all the women of my country well educated and independent.

Q16.What is your message to the readers?

Put your 100 percent effort in whatever you are doing in life.

Heart-to-Heart with Fariha Pervez

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

Published in Ink –The Entertainment Issue

Q1. What is your birthplace and where did you spend your childhood?

Fariha: I am an Aquarian, born on 2nd of February. My birth place is Lahore.

Q2. Introduce yourself to the readers.

I am a straight forward and a down to earth person. When producing my album I try to cater to the listening preferences of urban audiences. My songs range from upbeat of pop, to fusion of eastern classical/folk with western instrumentation.

Q3. Tell about your Education:

Bachelor of Arts

Q4. Tell about your music training and initial projects.

I got classical training from Master Feroze Gill and “Ustad Ghulam Hassain Shaggan" belonging to "Gwaliar Gharana". I started out by singing jingles and hosting a children's singing show by the name of "Aangan Aangan Taarey." I have worked on and released six albums so far, namely, “Nice & Naughty”, “Music Viewzik”, “Jhumka”, “O Vela Yad Kar”, “Piya” and “Passion”. While singing jingles, I met Sattar Khan who asked me to release my debut album," Nice & Naughty" in 1996, which became a massive hit. “Patang Baaz Sajna” is actually one of the tracks featured in my debut album with the creative mind of Sattar Khan, behind the musical endeavor. Besides these, I have also sung for some films such as “Chief Sahab”, Sailab”, “Ghoongat” and “Moosa Khan”.

Q5.In which language you love singing?

Fariha: I love singing in Urdu and Punjabi.

Q6. How often do you jam?

Fariha: I practice vocals everyday and I jam at least thrice a month.

Q7. What is your inspiration?

Fariha: Asha Bhosle, and Sajjad Ali

Q8.Your favorite song that you have sung so far:

Fariha: I like most of them, can’t say which one is the most favorite.

Q9. What is your record company?

Fariha: I have worked with Sonic, Lips & Sadaf.

Q10. You like live performance or studio sessions more. Why?

Fariha: I like live performances because I can interact with the audience and can get an instant feedback.

Q11. How many concerts have you done so far, and which at places?

Fariha: I have performed almost all over the world at places like UAE, USA, UK, Norway and Australia.

Q12. What was the first instrument you learnt playing and at what age?

Fariha: MY VOCAL IS MY INSTRUMENT SINCE CHILDHOOD.

Q13.When and how you did you get interested in music?

Fariha: From a young age, I started taking music seriously from my school days.

Q14.Your music is influenced by:

Fariha: Pop and classical.

Q15.How did your family support you in continuing your career?

Fariha: My family is very supportive and encouraging, especially my father. I like to spend time with them whenever I am free.

Q16. Share a few lines on your upcoming album and when it will be out.

Fariha: My upcoming project is my 7th album, which will release soon in the middle of this year.
I have done my best as always.

Q17. Whom have you worked with/working with?

Fariha: I have worked with Mujahid Hussain, Bagga, Ahsan Pervaiz and Sajjad Ali.

Q18. I have seen a play “Aisi Bulandi Aisi Pasti” of yours too but you didn’t continue acting and focused more on singing career. Why?

Fariha: It is because I find myself a better singer and that was my passion also.

Q19. Where does your talent come from?

Fariha: It is God gifted plus it is in my genes too. I come from a family of artists like Talat Siddiqui, Rehana Siddiqui, Naheed Siddiqui, and my cousin Arifa too. I inherited this passion for singing from my father who wanted to become a singer but his family opposed.

Q20. What are your pastimes?

Fariha: My pastimes are book reading, watching movies, going gym, doing yoga, cooking and spending time with my parents.

Q21. Who are your favorite bands and musicians?

Fariha: Jason Mraz and Shafqat Salamat

Q22. What is importance of video making for a specific song?

Fariha: It is vital so that the song can be viewed too besides being heard.

Q23. What is your biggest desire?

Fariha: I want to have my cake and eat it too.

Q24. Where does your learning come from?

Fariha: It comes from living life.

Q25. How do you take criticism?

Fariha: I take it as something positive.

Q26. Being an artist, what do you dislike the most?

Fariha: I dislike mis-commitments.

Q27.You sang last year in Sohail Rana program; share a few lines on it.

Fariha: It was a great achievement and honor. I learnt a lot from it.

Q28. I have listened to some of tributes you have paid to legends; you think it’s a good way of remembering our legends?

Fariha: Yes, definitely it is. What else?

Q29. What is your music genre?

Fariha: It is “urban popular”.

Q30.What is your biggest expectation?

Fariha: That I will find good listeners all the time.

Q31.You Define Music as:

Fariha: My passion.

Q32. What would you have been, if not a musician?

Fariha: I would have been a teacher or a successful business person.

Q33.One must know:

Fariha: The realities of life very clearly.

Q34. How do you perceive the future of music in Pakistan?

Fariha: Once the country comes out of this crisis, the sky is the limit.

Q35. What is your message to the readers of INK?

Fariha: Mean while just chill.

Interview With Azeem Sajjad

Interview with Azeem Sajjad

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

Published in INK Isue 4- The Gold Issue

From a young, slim and good-looking actor to a serious and mature director, Azeem’s journey started almost two decades ago. He talks about his early life, career and upcoming projects. He seems a bit exhausted, but at the same time, feels great about his works. He has been an actor, scriptwriter, model and director as well. His Urdu drama serial “Shikwa Na Shikayat Hey” is a selected piece of work by University of IOWA’s International Writing Program. “It is not enough to have a dream unless you are willing to pursue it. It is not enough to reach for love unless you care enough to give it.”

Tell something about your education, background and family.

I was born at Quetta. My father was in army, so I was educated from different schools. We used to keep moving. I did my matriculation from Rawalpindi and attended Edwards College Peshawar for some time. I did my MBA marketing from abroad. Besides this, I pursued a diploma in film making from US.

How would you define yourself as a human being?

I am a creative, romantic, peaceful, patriotic and hardworking person. I am against bloodshed and have a regard for mankind and humanity.

You have been an actor, writer, model and a director now. Which out of these you enjoy the most?

As I have started directing now, I think it’s the toughest of all these four. A director doesn’t only direct, but is responsible for many other things like leading his team, motivating them, managing crisis, handling uncertain issues, taking work from people, with limited resources. It’s really something responsible and hectic. A director has to take many things into account. Though, I enjoy this part too.

Tell something about entering show business.

I faced camera for the first time at a very young age of sixteen. I performed at a youth program. The judge was like, “Man, you had expressions on your face while performing. Why don’t you go for acting professionally?” I didn’t take it very seriously that time. After wards, he took me for an audition. I was selected. This is how my journey started. I did my first play “Baat Chhoti Si” at the age of sixteen.

What was reaction from your family when you decided to opt for show business?

My family is very educated and cooperative. My parents supported me; especially my mother is a very well-groomed lady. They supported my decision of entering show business.

What was your directorial debut? Which one is your favorite?

My directorial debut was a play “Apne Apne Raastay. Out of all my directorial ventures, I like “Thodi Si Zindagi.

Where does your inspiration come from?

 After working so much for over two decades, I think my source of inspiration is human tragedy. When I was a teenager, I read a statement behind a rickshaw, “One gets wise after suffering”. This holds true for me too. I have learnt from tragedies of life. So this statement has become my life motto now. I derive my inspiration from tragedy.

Who are your favorite co-stars?

I have worked with many people and I simply cannot say who my favorite is. Each one of them is unique and brilliant in their own way. I have worked with Ajab Gul too. All of them are amazing, I would say.

Why did you change your name from Azeem Khan to Azeem Sajjad?

(Laughs) I was representing IOWA as a Pakistani writer. It’s a paper “My name should be Khan”, written by me. I had to write a lot of papers. While I was at school, there were so many Khans, that it was difficult to differentiate. I changed my name from Azeem Khan to Azeem Sajjad, taking my father’s first name as my surname. 

Who are your favorite actors and what are your famous dramas?

Late Khalida Riysat and Qavi Sahib (Qavi Khan) are my favorite actors. My favorite dramas include “Tanhaiyan”, “Karobi” and “Uncle Urfi”.

Why did you decide you shift from Peshawar to Lahore?

There were such circumstances and some difficult issues for me there. There was very little scope for private production and resources were limited too. I have worked with Dr. Dennis Issac a lot. He was a very brilliant writer and knew very well how to characterize. He was a master, I must say. Apart from story writing, he excelled at characterization. He has shifted to Canada now. But before leaving, he completed the story of film “Inteha”. Peshawar is my hometown and I am still connected with it. Whenever I have to purchase a car, I always get it from there. I visit Peshawar for family functions and ceremonies too.

Tell something about Zoomie Productions.

It is basically known as Zoomie Magic Media Productions. Our basic projects include tele films, documentaries and serials. The documentaries are on poverty eradication, anti-narcotics and Pakistan Army. One of the documentaries is “Faisla Awaam Ka” and “Last Dance” is a tele film by Zoomie productions.

What are your upcoming projects?

My upcoming projects include a soap serial, (as a director) and a serial “Gumshuda” and “Angoori”. I will be working in Dr. Omer Adil’s soap “Naubahar” too. We will be starting our recordings by January.

Out of all the roles you have plays so far, which one is your favorite?

I played an AIDS patient in “Thodi Si Zindagi” and that’s my favorite role.

How do you manage work with family life?

My life is very hectic and tiring. I have learnt how to balance work with life. You need a lot of support from your family members.  But once you are into it, your family comes to know your pressures and work schedule. Whatever time I get free from my work, I spend it with my family. I am not a party guy at all. Everything gets adjusted itself.

Is there something people don’t know about you?

(Laughs)You want me to leak out a secret. I am a very good photographer, but I never took it professionally. My spouse Belinda is an excellent photographer and has conducted most of my shoots.

How do you define art?

I derive my art from the beauties of the world that Almighty has created. For me art lies in everything that he has created. Out of his ninety nine names, “Al-Musawir” is a name. I believe in being different every time and do not believe in repetition. Doing something novel every time is also art for me.

What is your message for the readers of INK?

Be patriotic and be loyal to your nation and condemn bloodshed. No religion or culture allows any kind of bloodshed or killing. Leave something good and valuable for the upcoming generations.

Woman Empowerment

Women Empowerment

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

(Published in She August Issue)

Gender equality is considered to be the vital concern in the development and welfare of a nation. Therefore, a nation must invest in women’s empowerment for the utmost development and welfare. A nation cannot move ahead without utilizing the experience and knowledge of both the genders. A politically and economically stable society is only assured if these forces are used effectively. Women empowerment is not only restricted to control over financial independence only, but it is a fusion of literacy, employment and health. Women empowerment has a positive relationship with the well being of their families and betterment of their country. Upon asking certain female celebrities belonging to different professions like show business, fashion, life style, management, music and entertainment, they shared their views on Woman Empowerment with us:

 

“Get educated mothers to teach the benefits of education to ignorant mothers. I think it could be a great way of enlightening women and girls.” Shakila Ahmed (Singer & Musician) 

“The issue of human rights and women’s rights is an issue of the greatest importance for Pakistan today. It is so important because -first and foremost - in order to make Pakistan a strong, self-respecting, self-sustaining country, it is essential to build its moral foundations and this cannot be done until justice is done to those who are the weakest and the most vulnerable in society. Abraham Lincoln had said that a nation could not survive half-slave and half-free. Likewise, without establishing gender equality and gender-justice, Pakistan can never become what Allama Iqbal and the Quaid-e-Azam wanted it to be. Economic and military strength, important as they are, cannot stem the rot that has set in through a long period of intellectual myopia and moral bankruptcy. The only way the process of ruin can be reversed is by building, brick by brick, a tradition of respecting the fundamental human rights of all citizens and residents of Pakistan, irrespective of gender, class, and ethnic, sectarian or religious difference.”  Mehrunnisa Hassan (Model, Actress, Classical Dancer and Singer)

“The empowerment of women and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status is a highly important end in itself. In every society empowering women is a huge resource for social change and the broader fight against global poverty. It is essential for the achievement of sustainable development.” Sobia Nazir (Fashion Designer)

“I believe all women have 'empowerment' within themselves - they just need to recognize their strength and the contribution they are already making on a daily basis to the betterment of our country, as mothers, sisters, teachers, career women etc. The environment and opportunities need to be made more beneficial so that the power within women can surge to the surface. There are many draconian laws relating to women that need to be repealed in Pakistan - this is one of the major ways in which 'empowered' women of Pakistan can make a change for betterment of our country. Women also need to ensure that the correct and equal recognition is given to them as respected, honored and dignified citizens of Pakistan, This recognition needs to be given, starting from the government corridors all the way to individual households.”  Fariha Rashed (CEO Ink Magazine & National Communication Manager Red Bull)

 “In my view, for development and betterment, Pakistan needs a value system that fights corruption not only at the organizational level but also at the level of the institution called the 'family'. If women contributed to the income in the family and (as wives and mothers) instilled the right values, there's hope for things to move in the right direction. The question is whether they are empowered enough through education, career opportunities and an equality-status in the family to do this? Perhaps not! But it’s never too late to start.”Kehkashan Awan (Former Actress and now Industry Consultant at SIRAAT)

“Women Empowerment, for me means, when a woman walks side by side a man in all walks of life. As women if we are not equal then there is no way the world can progress. Woman empowerment means that a woman should not be discriminated in what work she chooses to do, what she wears and should not be tied down to traditions of a culture. She is free and thus can contribute equally as any male member of the society. Without women's empowerment, no country will progress as society needs women to educate, improve on her children, as well as sow the seed for tomorrow, which again means women should be educated and encouraged for further education. A child's education starts at home, and if you have an educated mother, the child is enriched. A man who can lose his job tomorrow can also rely on his wife for support, hence going through fewer traumas in life. Both as equal partners can contribute to a better world.”Sonia Ahmed (President - Miss Pakistan World and Mrs. Pakistan World)

“Women are as powerful and important in the development of our country and the uplifting of society as men. In fact one educated and empowered woman not only changes her own life but also that of her entire family and her future generation.” Nadya Mistry (Fashion Designer)

Until a woman doesn’t feel self-satisfied, she cannot contribute anything towards her family
so the ratio is one unhappy female = 5 unhappy family members.” Mona Jamal (Makeup Artist)

A 10-Minute Session With Bilal Khan

 Published on Koolmuzone, 3rd August, 2010

 

My Complexes: Illiterate in musical notations
What turns me on: First sight of the finish line
What turns me off: Dogmatic behavior
My philosophy of life: Be desire less
My Secret Ambitions: To keep it a secret
Favorite Cologne: Issey Miyake
My music genre: Blues and Jazz
My favorite musicians: The modest ones
I would love to perform with: U2
I would love to see my country: Excel
Favorite Car: A tie between Ferrari Enzo and Suzuki FX
Favorite Dress: Shalwar Kameez
Favorite place to hang out: Rendezvous
Favorite Movie: Meet Joe Black
Favorite Actors: Johnny Depp and Akshay Kumar
Characteristics that attract me as person: Acceptance
As a kid I was: A quiet dreamer
What I always put off until tomorrow: Homework
My craziest fan: Abdul Hameed the driver
Success to me is: Possible
Question I hate: Do you have a girlfriend?
Question I love: Do you have girlfriend(s)?
Food that makes me crazy: Matar Paneer and Kofta
My biggest Asset: If you talk about fixed assets then…..
Music for me is like: Freedom
When no one is looking, I like to: Check my zipper
A moment in my life that was truly romantic: What?
My most prized possession: Anna Martin
The real me like: Doofis
My idea of perfect happiness: A game of cards with family when the light goes out
Three things that I like about myself: Name, fame and game
Three things that I dislike about myself: Nothing
My Biggest Regret: None
My Motivation: To achieve small little achievable goals
My Band: Bilal Khan
My Company: Bilal Khan Pvt. Ltd
First instrument I learnt playing: Guitar
My favorite Hero: Arnold Schwarzenegger
My Favorite Quote: “Stop doing stuff all the time and watch what happens” – Lao Tzu
My Biggest Passion: Art
My Biggest Desire: To be desire less
My Fitness Secret: To regularly avoid gym
My Biggest Expectation: To understand what is
My Favorite Pastime: To listen
My Favorite Song: Bad question
My most memorable moment: O-levels result day
My source of learning: Internet
My source of inspiration: YouTube
My Message: You just wasted a lot of time.

Interview With Vegar Nesset (Following Bob)

 Published in Unrated Magazine, Features

 

Vegar is a member and acoustic guitarist at Following Bob. The band also has some other musicians, for certain occasions like Jan E. Holberg as bassist, Leif-Magnus Lilleaas and Anders Sinnes on guitars, Simon Poole as programmer/producer, and programming/producing, Ingvild Hasund on backing vocals. The band derives their influences from A-ha, Savoy, Magne f, Ryan Adams, Joan Armatrading, Tori Amos, Ane Brun, Jeff Buckley, The Byrds, Barclay James Harvest, Solomon Burke, Blue Oyster Cult, Big country and some others too.
I got a chance to talk with Vegar. He shared a lot on his music. He is also the founder of the band and a singer-songwriter too. He has taken part in a number of musical projects including; The musical "Tonight" performed at London's West End, Touring in Scotland, Germany and Norway with bands like Shadows and Lights, B.F.B etc, The stage version of the musical "The War of The Worlds" in Liverpool, Performance on German television with B.F.B, Live radio performances on Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) with original songs. He has also written songs for other Norwegian and international artists. And also contributed to the compilation ACOUSTIKA (vol. 9) with the song "Nothing seems right" which was released in the USA on the 26th of February-08.Following Bob have taken part in the compilation-cd Norwegian Wood Music for China (vol. 2) with the song "(It's not) me nor you" released in China in December-07.
One can find their music at: http://www.myspace.com/followingbob.

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Tell something about your education, music training

Vegar: I've got a Bachelor of Art from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts ( Liverpool, UK), where I studied music and voice. Apart from that I've played guitar and written songs since the age of 10.

Tell about your inspiration.

Vegar: Most of my inspiration comes from watching people in their everyday life. Trying to put myself in their place and understand how they think. But also, it comes through listening to the work of other artists.

Give a brief intro of the band members.

Vegar: My band Following Bob consists of mainly me. On recordings and at big concerts, I hire musicians to get a bigger sound.

How and when did you get interested in music?

Vegar: To be honest I guess it started when my big brother brought home the album "Giv 'em enough rope" by The Clash. Lying on the floor in front of his record player listening to these amazing English lads, I decided, that's what I want to do with my life. Although my music can't be described as Punk music, they've been of great importance to me throughout my musical career.

What was the first instrument you learnt playing and at what age?

Vegar: My first instrument was the acoustic guitar, which I started playing at the age of 10. I learned my first chords from my aunt, who was the only one in the family who owned a guitar and knew how to play it.

Your favorite bands and musicians:

Vegar: Since I'm from Norway, I've always been following the career of A-ha. But I've also learned a lot about songwriting listening to artists such as Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Nik Kershaw, Xtc and of course, The Beatles.

Share a few lines on your album. What are your expectations from fans?

Vegar: On my last EP I focused on making a big production sound. But my new album will consist of songs with a pure acoustic sound. And I guess that the listeners who follow me will be pleased to hear that I'm still focusing on good melodies and meaningful lyrics.

What is your music genre?

Vegar: I tend to write whatever comes into my mind, so I'm not stuck in any particular style of music. Although most of my songs might be put into the big genre well of pop and acoustic.

Have you ever played cover songs?

Vegar: When I started at the age of 10, I used to listen to other artists and cover their songs just to learn how to play the guitar. In the early days that was my only source of inspiration. But I've also toured with different bands playing cover songs. Now a day I'm kind of concentrating on my own music.

Is there any message to your fans?

Thank you for having faith in me, and for letting my music into your lives. To each and every one of you who's a part of my musical universe; YOU bring me inspiration.

What is your source of learning?

Vegar: At the time, my sources of learning are listening to other artists, but also some voice lessons with a teacher.

How do you define music?

Vegar: Music is the mirror of the soul.

Image Courtesy: A. Nervik

Chill Time at Both the Places

By

Sadaf Fayyaz

Being a girl, people ask me why I write against girls. My fiction story “The Dollar Beauty” was even criticized a lot, as it reflected some bad aspects of a girl’s personality. I felt like writing about a specific category of girls at educational institutions who just want to have fun and enjoy life. I have seen some cousins and friends of mine who just kill their time.

There is a category of girls at who join universities after getting married. Some of them are very decent, mature and sophisticated. The specific ‘category’ I am talking about is something like this:

“Hey, see my shadi albums. I got my makeup from X-parlor and got my wedding dress designed from Y-Designer. “A friend would say, “O wow Sobi, you look like a fairy in these pictures”. “You look adorable.” And some remarks like these.

They are least bothered about studying or making notes. You would never find them in the library. Every day they come to university in a new dress, wearing some gold jewelry and having tons of makeup on face. However, this may apply to some unmarried girls too. But this category has some additional features too.

They have a good time at freshman nights, trips, picnics and alumni dinners. But if you ask them to do something on the assignments and term projects, they would say,

 “Oh, we have problems. Please cooperate with us and do the project yourself.” Upon the start of a new semester, this category goes straight to course instructors and say,

“Sir, we are married. We have problems. Please get us adjusted in some group for the final project.” The teachers often take sympathy and get them adjusted with every group of the class. Almost each group has such a lady. Most groups keep them in courtesy and on teacher’s request. One such a lady was assigned to my group as well. I being the lead had to say a “yes” to the teacher and accept her as a member. I used to assign different tasks to group members, depending on their skills and capabilities. On day, I asked her to contribute a little in the final project. She replied, “Oh, I have a problem. I have a dinner at home today and cooking food. Please do my part of the project. I hope you won’t mind that”. I breathed a sigh. Being unmarried, my laptop was open and I was cooking dinner for family as well. But I could never use it as an excuse for not working on or contributing to the project.

I have story of a cousin of mine. She had her Nikah in 2007 after her BBA. She kept sitting at home for three years and had fun. She got married in 2010. Now there is a lot of domestic work at her in laws’ place. She has joined university for MBA in order to get rid of the domestic work.

This specific category is good at stating at university, “sir, we are married and have problems. Please do us a favor”. At home they state to their husbands and in-laws, “Oh God, there was a lot of work at the university and the assignments made us tired.” They go straight to their rooms after coming from university and take rest.

I remember a friend of mine who joined university after marriage. She would always come, had fun, chat and leave for home. I never saw her doing any project or working on any group assignment. One day, I saw her talking to her mother-in-law, “Aunty, there is so much work at university. There are lots of assignments and I am tired. I will be late.” Another friend from the same batch told me that she had joined an office just to get rid of her mother in law and domestic work. She used to wake up late, never cooked or did any domestic work after getting married. I saw her mother in law doing it all the time. The friend was even choosy for food too. She only ate junk food like burgers and chips and her old mother in law would use to cook special food for her. After three years of marriage, her mother in law asked her to help her a bit with her. She instantly joined an office paying very low salary to her. “I have joined the office so that I don’t have to do domestic work. I don’t eat Daal or any vegetable. My mother in law is sick of cooking food for me now. I don’t want to cook any food or do any home work,” she told me. At office, she would say, “I have to reach home, can’t work till late. My husband and mother in law are very strict. I have to make food for them too.”

A cousin of mine did the same. She was never even able to pass her MBBS examination. After marriage, she joined some learning center. Upon coming home, she would always tell her mother-in-law, “I can’t cook or do any home work. I am extremely tired.” And she would go straight to her room.

This category doesn’t work at home or university. At home, they pretend that they are doing lot of university work and doing lots of projects. At university they show that they have lot of domestic work and have many personal problems. All they are found doing is, showing their marriage albums to their friends, putting tons of makeup, wearing heavy gold jewelry, attending every good function at the university. They even back out from most of the final presentations by stating “personal” problems. I simply envy this category of girls. You would always find their hands manicured, their feet pedicured, their eye brows plucked, their faces massaged, their hair dyed and ironed despite so many “problems”. I wonder that these problems only arise at the time of working on assignments and term projects, not else. They disappear while attending a university trip to Murree or a party. This category enjoys their time at both the places. What lucky people they are? There are some married girls who do have problems, but they would work with you, do their best and never disclose their problems to you. They are extremely serious about their work. They leave the functions but complete their work. The category I talked about just is good at finding excuses for not working at both the places and enjoying their time at both the places.