"I would like to live as US President for a week" - Nomi Qamar

interview

Nomi Qamar was one of Pakistan's top male models and runs his own production company

If I could live in another time, I'd choose...
I would choose to live in the time of the Romans, because I’m fascinated by the grandeur of their culture and architecture. I love the attire and costumes and the real image of a strong male.

If I had a week to live, I would…
Live as the President of the USA, and fix a few things possible only in such a position.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d pick…
Rome.

If I could make everyone watch a movie, it would be…
Bheja Fry. I’m a big fan of the main character.

If I had one wish, I’d wish for…
I would wish for a stable, respectful, and united Pakistan.

If I could destroy the master copy of any song so that nobody could listen to it again, I would pick...
Hawa Hawa by Hassan Jahangir and It Must Have Been Love by Roxette.

If I could bring back any cancelled TV show, I would choose...
50/50 and Prison Break.

If I had a million dollars, I would…
Go on a seven star VIP expensive vacation with my wife, with all the parties and drugs sorted in advance.

If I could change one thing about myself/my life, I’d change…
My carelessness.

I’m looking forward to…
I don’t look forward…I plan and execute it.

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune - 10 October, 2010

"I wish to be the biggest rock star of all time" - Naukhez Javed

interview

Naukhez Javed is the vocalist for the Pakistani band Inteha

If I could change one thing about the world, I’d change…
Racism, because we are all created by Almighty Allah; we breathe, we walk, we eat, we think, we function the same way – then why have we created racial differences?

If I had one wish, I’d wish…
I’d wish to be the biggest rock star of all time.

If I could collaborate with any musicians (past or present), I’d work with…
Nazia and Zoheb – I grew up listening to them.

If I had to record the cover version of any song, I’d pick…
Lithium by Nirvana, as to me it is the best rock song.

If I could have a super power, I’d choose…
X-ray vision and mind reading, so that I can read and judge people (because I am very bad at judging people).

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d pick…
Las Vegas, because I love the city – casinos, money, girls, cars…what else can one want?

If I could make everyone watch a movie, it would be…
Andaz Apna Apna. It is my favourite movie of all time. I think I have watched it over a hundred times; I even remember its dialogues!

If I could only eat one dish for the rest of my life, I’d want….
Aalo gosht with rice. My mum is the best cook and I just can’t stop loving it.

If I had a million dollars, I would…
A million? That’s it? I already have this much, give me some more…

I’m looking forward to…
The release of my band’s second album, Inteha-e-Rock, which will be released at the end of this year, and I am dead sure it will make history.

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune - 3 October, 2010

"I'm looking forward to taking over the House of Chanel" - Sanam Agha

interview

Sanam Agha is a VJ turned model cum fashion designer

If I could play a character in any film ever made, I would play...
Elizabeth Taylor’s character Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958).

If I could meet one person (out of anyone that ever lived), I'd love to meet...
Nani’s (maternal grandmother’s) parents.

If I could live in another time, I'd choose...
The 1940s.

If I could be anything other than a designer/actor, I'd be...
A sculptor/painter.

If I could dress any celebrity, I would choose...
Johnny Depp.

If I could collaborate with any musicians (past or present), I’d work with…
David Bowie.

If I had to record a cover version of any song, I'd pick...
Come Together by The Beatles.

If I could be present at an historic event, it would be…
Fall of the Berlin Wall

If I could change one thing about the world, I’d change…
The politicians.

If I could change one thing about myself/my life, I’d change…
I would find an immortality pill and give it to all my loved ones. That is all.

I'm looking forward to...
Taking over the House of Chanel and converting it into the House of Sanam (cunning plan).

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune - 26 September, 2010

"The future fascinates me to no end" - Xulfi

interview

Xulfi is the vocalist and guitarist for the Pakistani band Call

If I could play a character in any film ever made, I would play...
Edward Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) in Shutter Island (2010). That role is a test of skills, and if I am an actor, I would like to play a character that I can be proud of portraying.

If I could collaborate with any musicians (past or present), I'd work with...
Linkin Park, as I want to feel and share the energy that they have when they perform live on stage, especially their vocalist Chester’s live performance. I would want to be a part of that energy on stage.

If I could meet one person (out of anyone that ever lived), I'd love to meet...
Albert Einstein, and I would ask him to honestly tell me if the time machine can realistically be made. I really want to travel back and forth in time. History and the future fascinate me to no end.

If I could live in another time, I'd choose...
Sometime in the future, perhaps 4010. As I said, the future fascinates me, and the fact that I won’t be able to see this deep into the future saddens me.

If I could be anything other than a musician, I'd be...
An astronomer. Stars, time, planets, existence, and reason for existence are very important questions to me. I may not be able to answer any of them even if I am an astronomer, but the search and journey for the answers might take me to a new level of understanding of everything that’s a question to me, and I so want to experience that.

If I could change one thing about the world, I’d change…
The law of gravitation, but I’d change it just for myself and a few of my friends so that we can fly at will.

If I could go back in time, I'd...
Tell my dad how much I loved him.

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune - 19 September, 2010

"I don’t want to be a chocolate hero" - Atif Aslam

interview

Atif Aslam would be a philanthropist if he could be anything other than a musician/actor

If I play a character in any film ever made, I would play…
I would like to play a negative and shady character. I don’t want to be a chocolate hero, dancing around trees and boring people.

If I could collaborate with any musicians (past or present), I’d work with…
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Perveen jee; I guess I’ll enhance my spiritual experience towards music.

If I could live in another time, I’d choose…
I would like to go to the time of Hazrat Dawoud (AS) and I’ll try to figure out how he used to communicate with birds and listen to what kind of vocals he had which inspired so many creatures.

If I could be anything other than a musician/actor, I’d be…
A philanthropist to give me a bigger reason to live.

If I had to record a cover version of i) a Pakistani, ii) an English song, I’d pick…
I have already sung Pakistani and English song covers — Dosti, Meri Hamjoliyaan, Akhiyaan Nu Rehn Dey, and Billie Jean.

If I could change one thing about the world, I’d change…
I would like to change the distribution of basic necessities of life and make them available for everyone.

If I could change one thing about myself/my life, I’d change…
I wish I could stop being careless about my health.

If I could go back in time, I’d…
I’ll go to each and every era of human civilisation to see all the revolutions that they pass through to learn more and more.

I’m looking forward to…
People’s response to the movie Bol.

- Sameen Amer

The Express Tribune - 11 September, 2010

The Story of Stories

cover story

sto·ry (\ˈstȯr-ē\)
noun
1. history
2. an account of incidents or events; a statement regarding the facts pertinent to a situation in question; anecdote, especially an amusing one
3. a fictional narrative shorter than a novel, specifically short story; the intrigue or plot of a narrative or dramatic work
4. a widely circulated rumor
5. lie, falsehood
6. legend, romance
7. a news article or broadcast
8. matter, situation
– Merriam-Webster dictionary

Whether they’re rooted in reality or spun using the yarns of imagination, stories intersect our paths everywhere we go. Perhaps the length and depth of the word’s very definition sheds some light on the power of the concept and offers an explain as to why we can’t talk, write, or even think without telling a story. In fact, our lives are even more intertwined with stories than we may realize…

The stories in life
“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” – Muriel Rukeyser
No matter who we are or where we come from, stories invariably weave an intrinsic pattern into the fabric of our existence. They accompany us in various forms through our journey from start to finish. As children, we venture into fantasy worlds borrowed from the pages of fairytales or created by our parents, till we are ourselves old enough to dive into the realms that can be found on printed sheets and display screens, and travel through the lands that have been created for us by those who excelled in the art of storytelling. As we grow up, we get a chance to learn more about people through the stories they tell us: we get to know our parents by their retelling of real accounts of the mischief they got into and imaginary tales of how they were as good as gold when they were our age; we get to know our grandparents and great-grandparents and the times they lived in based on the stories that are passed on to us; and we learn to appreciate the generations that came before us by finding out about things that happened several lifetimes ago. Stories also tell us about all that is happening now, not just in the lives of the people we know, but the world at large, by giving us a current look at the globe – skewed or otherwise – and providing an approximation of what is going on in distant lands and faraway places.
It is through all these aspects that stories provide us a way of understanding who we are, where we come from and where we are going, and give us a sense of the world we live in and the people around us. And as we trace the path of our – or someone else’s – thoughts, they give us a chance to take a peek into our imaginations, express what we wish the world was (or wasn’t) like, and see how far our minds can take us.
Whether we’re watching a television series or even an advertisement, looking at a picture, listening to a song, or reading a history book, a gossip magazine, a newspaper, a best-selling fiction novel, our sibling’s secret diary, or a friend’s blog, stories are giving us a chance to learn about incidents we’ll never experience and people we’ll never meet. Yet they do much more than that, for they let us share with each other what we’re going through in our own life, for aren’t our lives nothing but a chain of interconnected stories that together form the narrative of our existence?

The stories of life
“Six billion of us walking the planet, six billion smaller worlds on the bigger one. … Six billion stories, every one an epic, full of tragedy and triumph, good and evil, despair and hope.” – Dean Koontz
Our lives may not have inspired a film or a song, or appear to be nearly as exciting as that of a character in a novel, but that does not change the fact that each and every one of us has a story, or rather a whole series of stories, that have led us to where we are now. We have a starring role in the sitcom/soap opera/dramedy of our life, while simultaneously playing supporting parts of various magnitudes in the life stories of the people we interact with – for some we’ll be the often present wingman or sidekick (or possibly even the antagonist); for others we might play a passing role and barely warrant a mention; and for the remaining we might not even make the footnote. At times we might even chose to play certain roles in order to figure out where we belong so that some day we can eventually find our happy ending.
There are tales behind our joys, sorrows, anger, despair, love, hate and a myriad of other emotions, and each experience forms a chapter or episode in our story. These tales may change meaning with time as we re-evaluate events – we may realize that the same thing that once triggered despair now elicits hope – but they will always continue to mould our lives.
And yes, all of us might not be penning our tales down and giving them the shapes of books or songs, but we are still constantly relaying our stories simply through our existence. Our story is unfolding in front of those around us, and it is being passed on to the rest of the world though our actions and words. Even the most cursory conversation we have with someone is likely to contain at least a snippet of a story. And as long as we live (and perhaps even after we’re gone) we will forever be part of stories, and will continue to send our stories out into the world and watch as they become a whisper down the lane.

The life of stories
“She realized as a girl of eight that if she sat down and wrote her stories, she could escape the parts of life she didn't like, embroider the parts she did and thus control the life she had.” – Dudley Clendinen
Whether they’re told in less than 140 characters or take over a thousand pages, stories provide a mirror to the storyteller’s thoughts and feelings. Even as they evolve with each retelling, they incorporating a part of each of the persons they travel through, and then hang around to reshape our reality. They put life in context, narrate history, and propel change in society; they help us recount our accomplishment and achievements, and give us a way to at least momentarily escape from the realities that become too harsh; and they help us connect with others, reassuring us that we’re not alone in our tribulations.
But ultimately, after we’ve defined them, they define us. Stories from our past continuously interfere with our present: they become the lenses through which we filter our worldviews – even something as seemingly innocuous as a piece of fiction can change our views and thoughts, and may even alter our perspective on our very existence; they form the unit of memories, giving us an anchor to recognize people as we file each incident in the relevant filing cabinet of our mind; and they shape our imagination, which in turn leads us to come up with even more tales. It is no wonder that very often a story has another story behind it, for it is our thoughts and dreams that lead us to parts of our imaginations we have never visited before where we stumble upon fascinating yarns that some will enjoy in solitude, while the more vocal of us will creatively transform into narratives that will be available to anyone who wishes to voyage through them.
All in all, stories become a part of us as we become a part of them, and just as they helped steer the people who came before us down the road of life, they will continue to accompany each of us on our journeys forevermore.

- By S.A.

Us Magazine, The News - July, 2010

"To make something special, you first have to believe it's special"

interview

Freestyle football has been generating a lot of interest in recent times, especially since being pushed to the fore by advertising campaigns, online video clips, and, most recently, by freestyling championships. This year, 19-year-old Areeb Iqbal got the chance to represent Pakistan at the 2010 Red Bull Street Style (RBSS) World Championships that took place in Cape Town, South Africa. The event that was held in April saw some of the world's most talented freestylists from around the globe compete for the honour. We got a chance to ask Areeb about the sport and his experience of participating in the championships; here's what he had to say:

Us: Tell Us a bit about yourself.
Areeb Iqbal: I am 19 years old and currently in my second semester of Electrical Engineering from FAST. I am a football freestyler. My hobbies are sketching, playing guitar and listening to music.

Us: When did you start freestyling? And what prompted you to take up the sport?
Areeb: I started freestyling around the end of November last year. My dream was to be a professional football player and I have been playing football since 2006 at GSA (Gulshan Soccer Academy). The pure spirit and the freedom of expressing myself through freestyling attracted me towards it; the sheer love and passion for the game increased day by day and now it's everything to me.

Us: How did you qualify for the Red Bull Street Style World Championships? How tough was the competition in the national level finals?
Areeb: I took part in the RBSS qualifications in Karachi and ultimately got selected in the top 16 of Pakistan who were to battle it out for the ultimate crown. In Pakistan's national finals, I just wanted to prove myself; it wasn't about winning or losing but rather making my mark in that historic event. The competition was really tough. My aim from the start was to entertain the judges and the audience, I tried to perform with a clear and relaxed mind without thinking of making it to the next round and that's where things got into place. I am grateful to Allah that he helped me get through it all, and my friends who were a great support at the event.

Us: How was the experience of participating in the championship that was held in South Africa?
Areeb: The event was a life changing experience. At the very start of my freestyling career, I lived the dream of practising at the biggest stage with freestyle pioneers. Five days in Cape Town was just the most amazing time of my life. The talent and skills of freestylers was double that of the previous RBSS. And it was a proud moment for me to take my nation's flag there among all the other countries.

Us: How do you feel about your performance at the event? And what did you learn from it?
Areeb: For me, representing my country and carrying Pakistan's flag around my shoulders was the proudest moment of my life. I gave it my best because at that moment it wasn't just about Areeb Iqbal, it was about who Areeb Iqbal is. But this surely isn't goodbye from my side, it's hello. Next year, I will be going back, bigger, better and stronger.

Us: How did you train for the event?
Areeb: I trained really hard for RBSS world finals after winning the national finals. I practised for around five to six hours daily, always trying to come up with something new and different, and then tried pulling it off with style and adding a flow to my tricks. I tried to move the ball and my body with the beat of the music that in turn made my technical tricks look more artistic.

Us: Did you face any difficulties while training or competing?
Areeb: Managing my studies and university life with my training was one of the biggest challenges I had to face. Along with that, I faced a whole lot of criticism from people who thought I was doing something that is not worthy. But that's how life treats us. "To make something special you first have to believe it's special." From the very start I believed in myself and this made me strive harder in my practice sessions. And I would love to thank all my friends, family and people who supported me all this time. "I'm very lucky to have wings and people to fly with."

Us: In your opinion, what importance do such events hold for our athletes and our country?
Areeb: These types of events are really good and motivating for people who are doing something extraordinary and out of the box. Still, it's hard for them to get proper recognition. Pakistan is filled with talent in every single mainstream or alternative sport. Its people have a lot of potential; there is just the need to bring such talents into the limelight. Through this, we can create a good change in the image of the Pakistanis in front of the world and represent the country's name with pride.

Us: What difference did you see/feel between Pakistan and South Africa (with respect to sports)?
Areeb: They are hosting the FIFA World Cup this year and Pakistan is not even close to that for the next 25 years or so. Athletes and sportsmen there are credited for what they are doing and they also get proper support from their government. Apart from that, each respective sport has been provided with proper facilities. Regarding the talent and skills, I think Pakistan is not behind them; it's just lacking in support and proper platform to acknowledge the talent. In the near future, I am sure we will achieve much more.

Us: What do you think of the current situation of sports in Pakistan?
Areeb: When one thinks about Pakistan and sports, the first thing that comes to one's mind is cricket, or hockey maybe. Most of the other sports are pretty much neglected in our country, which shouldn't be the case. Cricketers get a total different form of respect than footballers in our country. I think this really needs to change now. We should really think about making our country's name shine in all of the sports, not sticking to just one or two major streams.

Us: What can be done to improve the state of sports in our country, both generally and with respect to freestyle football?
Areeb: Incentives should be given by the government to provide the proper facilitation to all the sports. It can only happen through the support of the government, so that athletes can take sports as their career and move forward in it. Freestyling is at its starting stage in Pakistan and awaiting its rise. The need to acknowledge this game as a proper sport is really necessary for all the freestylers of Pakistan so that we can continue our career in freestyling and do what we love to do and make a living out of it. A separate federation or association can be made to organise all the football freestyle activities in the country. It can help the players by conducting foreign tours, and by inviting professional freestylers from across the globe to train the upcoming kids who want to learn more about this game. I am sure that freestyle is going to be really big in Pakistan one day and that day will come soon.

Us: Do you plan to continue competing?
Areeb: Definitely. Football freestyle is my passion, it's everything to me and I don't think that I am ever going to stop. I am training myself harder and harder everyday. I will go beyond the limit and train myself to the extent of conquering new and untouched boundaries of freestyling. I have a dream - 2014 Pakistan RBSS World Champion.

Us: Any message for the readers?
Areeb: If you really love something and you're proud of what you are doing, only then can you achieve it. Just be proud of who you are and always believe in yourself and in what you are doing. I just want to tell all the people aspiring for sports like freestyling to stay determined and never give up. Everything you do, do it for yourself - not for showing off in front of others, because it's not how you say it but how you do it.

- S.A

Us Magazine, The News - 11 June, 2010