I volunteered

Everyone loves to keep a pet or pets. He nurtures the beautiful creature with deep love, great warmth and care. Some loves to keep cats and dogs while other goes out for fish, birds and others. This story is not about my pet but my colleague’s. One of my colleague loves to keep fishes, initially he bought a small pot for fishes that later converted into a big aquarium. Its beauty was further embellished with artificial plants, gravel and a sea diver statue. Soon the hugs aquarium becomes apple of eye of whole department and other departments as well which are residing on that particular floor.
The multi breed and colored fishes inside the glass gradually became a relaxing therapy for the whole department. When the pretty fishes stretch their fins and move hastily, one just follows their track, stand stood. On every sight, It gave a cool ease to eyes which excels out all the tiredness of work and when light turned off, its sparkling head bulb illuminate the dark atmosphere and once again, we start gazing the new guests of our department. Though, there was different kind of fishes kept inside the aquarium but the golden colored ‘Gold fish’ was beyond praise.
It was my routine to office to play with Gold Fish and other by knocking the glass. I love the way, the confused and scared fishes move here and there. The time passed on and water got dirty day by day, therefore, one day we decided to change the water. We were gladly changing the water, unaware of the the fact that we will soon lose our dear ‘Gold Fish’.
While changing the water, fishes were transferred into small pot and I persisted to put the pot on my desk where I talked, whistled, took pictures and shot video of fish.
In a nut shell, I enjoyed as much as I can and left office with a happy and smiling face but next day all my happiness flown away when I came to office and found the Gold Fish dead!
This wasn't a new thing for my colleagues and they took it lightly (later showed regret) and suggested to apply the same procedure of throwing fish into the garbage bin but here I didn't allow anyone to throw it into dustbin and I suggested to bury the poor creature whose soul said farewell to the world when I weren't around her. I asked my colleague took the fish net, carrying the dead body and follow me. I dig a small area and bury the poor fish. I watered her with my tears and bade Good Bye!
Now everything is back to normal; same department, same aquarium but the thing that not same and normal is the Gold Fish who is no more...
People love their pets till they are alive but what if they die?

Achievements of Muslim Scientist by Noor-ul-Ain Hanif

Miss Dustbin

A day with Alamgir

Shakespeare once said ‘if music be the food of love play on’ and in Pakistan, Alamgir is the singer who has been gratifying the appetite of love from the first day he hold the mic. As his name connotes ‘Conqueror of the world’, he has conquered the world of music through his mellifluous voice and distinctive singing.
The great Bengali origin legend, Alamgir is the pioneer of Urdu pop music in Pakistan through his down-to-earth persona and symphonious voice he won million of hearts worldwide. He is known for his incredible singing and fancy performances. He made us to tap our feet on his mega hits. The Elvis of East, landed in Pakistan at the age of 15, he began his career by singing in a café that was visited by the top-notches where he was spotted by Shoail Rana, and hence he got first chance to show his passion and from there his journey of victories commenced. Soon his passion became his profession and he introduced pop music in Pakistan. The legend was inspired by Western and Spanish music. He has sung in more than 17 languages including: Spanish, Japanese, Bengali, Urdu and English. Later, he became the soul and demand of every concert that ultimately compel him to bid farewell to the music industry. Thus he went to USA, where he spent 20 years but the love of his fans forced him to come back and once again he is back to entertain us with his melodious hits. Shaam se pehly ana, Yeh sham aur tera naam, Albela Rahi, Mujhey dilsey na bhulana, Dekha na tha and recent song Keh Dena are among the hits that gained him fame and prestige worldwide. He has sung 400 songs for television and not much for movies even though he has received Nigar Award in 1978 for the best singer for the song ‘Mujhe Dilsay Na Bhulana’, film Aina.

Geo vision had a friendly conversation with Alamgir in which he talks about his musical journey.

Geo Vision: You are among the most popular pop-singers of Pakistan who have been singing since many years. How has the journey been?

Alamgir: Yeah, my career is quite long! Though, I started my career 40 years back but the seed of music was nourishing inside my soul since childhood. I love to play guitar and I bought up singing Beetles, Rolling Stones and Elvis Presley songs. I have spent one half of my life here, in Pakistan and other in America. My over all journey was ‘melodious’ what else I can say! (Laughing)

GV: In your singing career, which song were the most challenging one and which one you enjoyed the most?

Alamgir:As long as the most challenging song is concern, hmm…Nisar Bazmi sahib ki ghazalein have always been the most challenging lyrics for me to sing. Nisar Bazmi is well acknowledged with my singing skills and he has always made me to sing from my high point. You can say, he has groomed my singing talent. Ahh…it’s difficult for me to select any one song. You will be surprised to know, I consider music as my first wife. Music is running in my blood. I can hear every heart beat humming ‘dhak dhak…’ I have enjoyed singing all my songs.

GV: Why did you take a break from singing?
Alamgir: (Smiling) Well in early 90s, I was in full demand. Everyone wants me to sing in their up-coming projects, concerts and songs. There were hectic recordings, rehearsals and shows and at the end of the year everyone was waiting for my new album. I was feeling so much pressured that I took a break to rest therefore, I went to USA.

GV: You have sung numerous patriotic songs in your career. Which is your favorite one?

Alamgir: I have always tried to compose lyrics that can ignite and rekindle the spark of patriotism within the souls and among them my favorite song is ‘Kheyal Rakhna’.

 GV: What’s you craziest fan story?

Alamgir: There’s a big hall in Rawalpindi with capacity of more than lakh audience at a time. Many prominent celebrities have performed there. Once I was performing there and a girl within the audience wanted to meet me. She got fainted thrice and when I met her she striked to my chest and again fainted. This incidence is something that I can’t forget.

GV: Who has been your singing inspiration?

Alamgir: (Thinking) There are many singers who have inspired me and I adore there singing style which include: Salamat Ali Khan, Roshan Ara Begum, Mehdi Hasan, and Noor Jahan. These are the singers, I love listen to!

GV: Your recent song, Keh Dena was a big hit. How was your experience working with an international singer Kristie Yang?

Alamgir: Zindagi mein kuch naya kertay rehna caheye… (One should keep trying new things in life) and the song ‘Keh Dena’ was a new experience for me. Its recording was challenging yet risk worthy. First of all, Kristie is an international icon who doesn’t know to speak Urdu so I worked on her language first then public’s reaction was another nail biting moment for me. But at the end, I received fabulous feedback from audience so I recommend everyone, keep doing experiments in life. Never fear the consequences! Remember, a person learns from his mistakes.

GV: Many new singers have taken an entry in music industry so who is your favorite singer nowadays?

Alamgir: (Thinking deeply) Rahat Fateh Ali Khan!

GV: Your future plans? Are you going to open musical academy?

Alamgir:  Till now, I don’t have any such plans.

GV: Any message for young singers and youngsters?

Alamgir: Love music, don’t love money! Once you become a good singer, money and fame will run after you so be honest with your profession.

KICK OUT DISAPPOINTMENTS

Humayun talks about Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi

A handsome hunk, good looking model, versatile actor and producer of master pieces, he is known for his etiquettes and impressive voice. After acknowledging himself as an actor now he is participating in the resurgence of Pakistani cinema by producing an up-coming movie ‘Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi’ — He is the dashing heartthrob “Humayun Saeed”


Humayun first appeared in PTV‘s play, ‘Yeh Jahan’ and received awards of Best Actor in succeeding years. Then in 2003, he took out your breaths with his performance in serial ‘Mehindi’ and in movie ‘Mein Ek Din Laut Kay Aoon Ga’ he amazed his fans with deluge of talent and now he is producing a movie with an aim to revive the dead Pakistani cinema.

When it’s come to big screen, sports based movies have always remained the first preference of movie lovers. This particular genre has given birth to different movies that have done incredible business worldwide. Whether it’s the flicks featuring football, hockey or cricket, they have paved a new path for budding directors and producers. Across the border, several movies have been made over this theme and now in Pakistan. Humayun Saeed is going to produce a movie on cricket.

You have been listening different stories about Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi but what is true and what is just a rumor is still ambiguous so to know the real story behind the curtain, Geo Vision decided to take an exclusive interview of Humayun Saeed in which he talks about Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi.

“Mein Hoon Shahid Afridi is a complete family entertainer as it got all the ingredients that audience wants to see in a movie. The basic storyline is on the drawback of cricket in Pakistan. It further entails the struggle and determination of a young boy who wants to become Shahid Afridi. No doubt, Shahid Afridi has always been an inspiration for million and the movie will revolve around the fact and journey of a young guy. Well, I am sure all the up-coming movies will create a revolution by breathing a new life into dead Pakistani film industry. Likewise, Chambaili has done a good business. It is quite successful in seeking people’s attention. My movie is a commercial movie that will surely take audience back to cinema houses”

On this note, we wish Humayun gazillion of lucks!

Chitchat with Shaista

Published @ GeoVision
http://geovision.geo.tv/2013/04/chitchat-with-shaista/


Good looks are general but brains are rare and the saying ‘Beauty with brain’ goes with her. She is a mother, host and a doctor. She is none other than SHAISTA, the icon of Utho Jago Pakistan!
Shaista is a beautiful lady, with an acute mind and a kind heart. She is the one who gleams your morning with optimism, her appearance makes your morning informative yet entertaining. She is as polite as her name.
Shaista has been doing Geo’s flagship morning show Utho Jago Pakistan since last 4 years and in the mean while she has become as dear as your family member. Her down-to-earth persona tied the viewers to her show morally and emotionally as she prefers to talk over the core issues. Whether it’s the issue of fake marriages, street children or Saas Bahu quarrels, Shaista has always highlighted bigger and miner issues in her show with an aim to guide and educate the viewers and young generation. Apart from the serious stuff, Shaista has done lots of halla gulla on her set.
Recently, Shaista took a short break and in her absence actors Ahsan Khan & Sanam Jung were hosting the show. Their humorous puns and sarcastic remarks added new crispness and hilarity to the show but now the real face of UJP is back and yes, she is back with a bang!
Shaista is back with a new attractive set and an energetic theme song ‘Uthona…Jagona…Utho Jago Pakistan!’ The song is composed by Waqar Ali and melodious voice of Alycia Dias sang it. A song is incomplete without its video and the video of UJP’s song is enthralling yet creative, delivering the message of peace and love.

On her return, Geo vision decided to take an exclusive interview of Shaista to ask about her break, upcoming shows and all those questions that audience may want to know.

Geo Vision: You have come back after a short break. Why did you take an off?

Shaista: Besides a host and doctor, firstly, I am a mother but due to the prevailing tough routine I couldn’t be able to take out time for my kids so I took a short break to rejuvenate with them.

GV: Ahsan and Sanam were hosting the show brilliantly. There chemistry is commendable but why Ahsan and Sanam to host the show not anyone else, jodiyan to buhut hain?

Shaista: (Smiling) actually, we weren’t looking for chemistry or a stunning Jodi, we just wanted to ensure the energy of the show so we were looking for two nice people who could match the pace and mood of the show and Ahsan & Sanam proved to be the right choice. Both of them have put balanced energy in the show.

GV: So do you think, Ahsan and Sanam have done a good job in your absence?

Shaista: Yes, I am happy and appreciate their work. They have proved to be a perfect choice for this slot. As I said above, we didn’t plan anything; sometimes unplanned things could become more successful without any master plan.

GV: You have been a trendsetter for introducing new variations in morning shows. How does it feel when others try to copy you?

Shaista: Dekheye copy shopy kuch nai hota (copy shopy is nothing). Someone has to take an initiative then people come up with its more better and modified faces. Same happens with me, I introduced new variations in morning show and after that, whoever has done the attempts, have done them in an upgraded manner. Above all, we received healthy competition and I believe competition is a way to betterment. If I set a trend then it’s not a reason of proud for me, it would be, if I am successful in providing two hours complete entertainment to my audience. Others are also endeavoring so are we! 

GV: So now you are fresh and active what new you will offer in up-coming programs?

Shaista: Well, I have no big claims. I love to communicate with people through my hosting and this time, I am concentrating more on my hosting and Insha’Allah it will be visible in upcoming shows as well.

GV: If you get a chance to interview any political personality with reference to up-coming elections, which personality would you like to interview and why?

Shaista: (Thinking deeply then replied in a slow voice) ‘Imran Khan’, he is using phrase ‘New Pakistan’ so I would like to interview him with reference to his revolution and ‘New Pakistan’
.  
GV: If you are asked to act in films and dramas, would you?

Shaista: Off course, if any project appeals me and I am convinced to do it, I will surely do that project.

GV: Who is your favorite morning show host and why?

Shaista:  There’s Farah who does a morning show on ATV, she is my favorite host. I adore her way of talking because she speaks slowly and calmly. So we can call it a talk show.

GV: How is your experience working with Geo till yet?

Shaista: So far so good. I feel good being a part of Geo. People rely on this channel, likewise, they trust the faces that come on Geo and I am a face of Geo as well. This immense trust of viewers over me makes me feel happy and I thank God for this.

GV: Your inspirations

Shaista: My inspirations are all those ladies who are strong substantial women, who are standing as a strong pillar in this male-dominating society. She could be a woman working in a bakery or a lady using her cooking talent to support her family or a black (African) woman who is responsible to bring green revolution in this world.

GV: Any message for the audience and youngsters who wants to step in showbiz/hosting.
 
Shaista: Just don’t give up! Don’t give up! Haarein nahi…always believe in yourself and leave rest on God. Allah has kept majority of things to Himself so leave the rest on Him. We just say, we trust Allah but actually we don’t. Trust on God, is a solution to your million of problems.

Nowadays, Shaista is celebrating Rubina ki doli, the wedding of an acid victim live on UJP set. Initially, it was only Rubina’s wedding but now four girls from shelter home are also part of this sacred celebration and are going to their piya des through the collective efforts of UJP and people who participated in his holy deed. The recent exclusive interview of Dr Tahir Ul Qadri is another milestone Shaista has achieved so far. More fun is lined up so stay tuned to Shaista in Utho Jago Pakistan!

From my archive (30/7/2012): Kya yahe zindagi hai?

All the star plus viewers are familiar with the term “ek ghantay ka maha episode” which is use to be on aired on Saturdays’ in order to reveal a new character, or to break suspense or to crack a story. Recently, this ek ghantay ka maha episode technique was used in a Pakistani drama, “Yeh Zindagi hai”

This do ghantay ka maha episode revealed the death of Jamila (Javeria Saud the heroin of drama), in a bus blast. The bomb blast approach was also used before in the killing of Bhula (Fahad Mustafa) and Nargis (Beenish Chohan), the most initial characters, the only difference between the deaths were, Jamila died in a bus blast, however, Bhulay and Nargis died in a maternity hospital so the twist wasn’t new in the story. Along with Bhula and Nargis, the character of laraka khala Bano (Parveen Akbar) and shrill voice Hajra (Hina Dilpazir) was also soon eliminated from the serial or you can say they just vanished from the story, Bano Khala ran away and Hajra also ran away with her husband. ‘Applause’. There is another point to appreciate; now Bhula has lost his senses and doctors have suggested if his mother come in front of him he will be normal.

The story of YZH is also much not different from any typical star plus drama. It is all about the marriage, divorce, extra maternal affair and recently illegitimate child concept has also been introduced. The white streaked hair and kids turn young within a week, everything has taken from Star plus. Jamila, who first married to Shirazi (Saud) and became step-mother of Jannat, she soon got divorce from Shirazi and re-married to Jamal (her cousin) she gave birth to Jamal’s twin kids, Jabbo and Bhulay and again got divorce. However, Jamal re-married to rich girl Pinky, Jamal did’t accept Jabbo and Bhulay but his real son from Pinky, Kamal (Adeel Chaudary) who is acting as a bigra hua burger munda but God! From nowhere he looks like a burger. I wonder why they made Pinky and Kam, burger when they don’t even look rich from any angle. Moving forward, the kids grow up and give a beginning to love stories. Bhulay fall in love with Jannat (Jenny, foreign return) but twist in love story is necessary so for a twist, families fix Kam and Jannat marriage. But later on Jenny fall into Bhulay’s sack. However, Jabbo fall in love with a rich man who gave her a in reward without marriage.

With the killing of Jamila, I thought the drama is about to end or the story will take a new dhasu turn but all my expectations were left in tears of regret, when I come to know that Javeria is coming back in the serial as a young, dark, lively, chubby and bubbly girl, ‘Chameli’. Yes, hold on your breaths Jamila hasn’t gone anywhere from the serial. She is back in her words “Chameli aye hai seher ma Chameli”. This time Jamila is playing role of young 24 year old village girl, who came to Karachi and adapt beggary as her occupation.

In addition, Jamal and Jamila’s love story is also highlighting on social media and facebook is full of their comics, featuring two monkeys one Jamal and other Jamila. Some of the comics are:

·         “Doodh mangay ka kheer dunga, Jameela mangayga cheer dunga”

·         “Jamal sharab pena chorday, ab wo kabhie nahi ayege laut ker”

·         “Meri jan jameela ke kasam jo bhe humaray bech aye…,

       I will make him remember milk number 6”

From the perspective of a sane person, the drama has no reality or entertainment left. The way, they through shoes at each other or fight in abusive language, sorry people from middle class don’t do such immoral activities. Furthermore, in the serial, they are residing in Paposh Nagar, so people live in paposh nagar are not that ill-mannered as they show in the drama which is actually reflecting a negative image of a particular area. But the story is still on, let's what they have planned next.

Creativity and artistry by Rashid Rana

Labyrinth of Reflections: The Largest Solo Exhibition in Pakistan

 Here’s the good news for all the art lovers out there, the wait is now over as the most anticipated solo exhibition ‘Labyrinth of Reflections: The Art of Rashid Rana 1992-1012’ is finally opened in Mohatta Palace Museum, Karachi. The curtains were down on 17^th, February, Sunday, the exhibition is not only narrating the art sculptures but also life journey of Pakistan’s renowned artist ‘Rashid Rana’ who is the first artist to get his work displayed on such big scale.

The exhibition is presenting the extraordinary work of Rashid Rana the most critically acclaimed artist in Pakistan and one of the most prominent modern artists in South Asia. His work is not only praised within 

Pakistan but also globally in prestigious institutes around the world such as the British Museum in London, the Modern Museum of Art in New York, the Fukuoka Museum in Japan, the Asia Society Museum in New York and the Queensland Art Gallery in Australia amongst various others. In the course of his two decades career; he has negotiated with the small fractions of society to the large masses that is visible in his work as well.

Encompassing on more than 60 works of Rana, the exhibition is based on his life journey from its naissance to current day, his early years as a painter to his more recent digital photo mosaics and photo sculptures. After been recognized worldwide, this is the first time, Rana’s work has displayed on such big scale as a solo exhibition in Pakistan.

Apart from critically extolled internationally, the work of this artist has been valued worth and has acquired at higher prices than any other Pakistani artist in the past. In 2008, his Red Carpet-1, 2007, was sold by Sotheby’s for US $623,000. Rashid Rana wearing Hugo Boss Shirt & Paul Smith suit.He is very fashionable he taught design at PIFD,HSY & Kamiar Rokni.

The exhibition, Labyrinth of Reflections: is an interactive session showcasing the master pieces of Rashid Rana and indeed it’s a great way to pay tribute and appreciate the sparkling talent of Pakistan. Such exhibitions boost confident of art students and young talent by providing them an inspiration and a message ‘follow your dreams’, In addition Event organized by Mohatta Palace Museum & PR handled by Catalyst PR & Marketing.