1. We need to talk
2. Do I look fat?
3. Umm there’s this new store at the mall…
4. I’m not hungry hungry, but I’ll share your garlic mayo fries.
5. Why do you have to hang out with Fahad so much? Is he your boyfriend?
6. Oh never mind, Yasir is just a friend. But I don’t get a good vibe from Ramsha so you better not talk to her.
7. I’m not one of those girls.
8. You’re just like a brother to me.
9. *On the second date* some people are coming over tomorrow for my rishta, so I thought I should just let you know.
10. If I ask you something, would you be honest?
11. OMG! The dreadlocks on that guy look so YUM.
12. So this one time, my ex and I went to…
13. Can’t believe how you can spend this much on a pair of jeans! Don’t look at my footwear collection, I’m classy - I have to!
14. I am an independent woman but you should pay for the meal. I’m old fashioned.
15. Where is my exclusive time in your given day? You treat me like a filler.
16. Who is she?
17. You’ve changed so much. You’re not the same person anymore.
18. Why do you still watch cartoons? Grow up.
19. Go away, leave me alone… How dare you walk out on me?
20. You’re always too busy to even think about me.
21. Fine.
22. You’re so thin. Why don’t you go to the gym?
23. You’re such a mama’s boy.
24. Let’s watch some TV. New Girl or Pretty Little Liars?
25. Why do you always want to control me? It’s suffocating. Give me some space to breathe.
26. I knew it!
27. Are you sure?
28. I don’t believe you.
29. I didn’t mean anything I said. I was just PMS-ing.
30. You know I’m still mad at you for what you said to me at Sarah’s wedding in 2004.
31. ... But we can be friends.
32. You know you’d save a lot of money if you don’t smoke.
33. Mom is coming over for the weekend.
34. Can you look after the kids; I just have to go to the tailor for “five minutes”.
35. When I say chocolates, it means dark chocolate. You’re so useless.
36. Wait wait stop the car!! I need to Instagram that.
37. Why can’t we go there? All of my friends have been there already. Even Bushra.
38. Why do you have to watch match highlights when you already know who won? Please switch to Hum TV. I wanna watch the rerun of Kadurat.
39. Are you even listening to me?
40. WHATEVER.

It is official. Waar is making coin! The film has shot to Rs10.5 crore within the first ten days of its release, firmly placing in its crosshairs Pakistan’s highest grossing film of all time, Bol. Waar has also bettered the Pakistani box office performance of Chennai Express, unexpectedly scoring a higher opening day than the Shahrukh Khan masala vehicle. This has been a talking point for many Pakistanis, who have taken the news as a national achievement. Unfortunately, for Waar, the film hasn’t been received as warmly by the nation’s film critics. Predictably enough, the Pakistani public has been unhappy with the negative reviews. Fans of Waar argue that although the film is admittedly a misfire, it should be praised at the very least for getting the stagnating film industry’s bullet in the gun chamber. On some level, this is true. The success of films such as Waar and Bol proves that our cinemagoers are willing to watch films that don’t regurgitate the nonsense that comes out of Lollywood. That being said, Waar consists of fundamental flaws which prevent it from hitting the par score when it comes to international film standards. Granted, that for the inexperienced filmmakers, Waar was a complicated undertaking, but at the end of the day, the film is charging the same ticket price at local cinemas as a good Hollywood blockbuster, and thus must be judged by the same benchmark. Here are six areas where Waar missed the target: 1. The struggle with English  Waar is most authentic when its characters are engaging in Urdu. Unfortunately, for what I estimate to be 75% of the running time, the film’s dialogue is in English. Because most of the actors are visibly concentrating on communicating in a language alien to them, they seem to have less energy for their primary function: acting. This results in some hilariously wooden performances, where the players often seem like they are dryly reading words off of cue cards. If the filmmakers were unable to find actors who were comfortable speaking in English, they should have rewritten some of the dialogue. It isn’t a coincidence that the strongest performances in Waar come from Shaan Shahid (Major Mujtaba), Ayesha Khan (Javeria), and Ali Azmat (Ejaz Khan), as these three out of the entire cast seem most comfortable speaking in English. Another side effect of Waar’s language fiasco is that while Javeria speaks fluently with a Canadian accent, her brother Ehtesham (Hamza Ali Abbasi), speaks in a manner which reveals a remarkably different background for a person who is supposed to be her sibling! This phenomenon, where actors perform significantly better in their native language isn’t a new one. Both Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tiger) and Jet Li (Hero) are far more convincing in Hong Kong cinema as opposed to Hollywood films. To director Bilal Lashari’s credit, both Ayesha and Ali were given expanded roles in the film after their talent was recognised. It must be said that the film’s largest letdown in the acting department is Meesha Shafi (Laxmi), who wasn’t always up to her highly challenging role. In fact, some of her scenes were screaming for a retake. Here, the finger must be pointed at Lashari, considering that Mira Nair extracted better mileage from Shafi in The Reluctant Fundamentalist. 2. The Script: The dialogue in Waar is sometimes so poor that the film seems like a spy film parody straight out of the minds of Matt Stone and Trey Parker (Team America: World Police). One of the most unintentionally hilarious moments in the film is when Major Mujtaba’s frustrated superior screams at him, “WHEN WILL YOU LET GO OF YOUR PAST?” One would think that asking a man to quickly get over the trauma of watching his wife and child being killed right in front of him would be just a touch insensitive. 3. The Indian bashing: I’ll be honest. I wouldn’t truly enjoy the counterterrorist TV show 24, unless the terrorists were Muslim. You can blame the media all you want, but it just didn’t seem believable enough when it was Austrian nationalists attacking the White House. But when the baddies were Arab? Let’s go Jack Bauer! So I have no issues with Waar’s evil characters portrayed as Indian spies. But stripping the Indian baddies of all humanity took me out of the narrative. The RAW agents in Waar were bloodthirsty, carried sinister smiles and were constantly hatching unbelievably super evil plans. All that was missing in their campy one-dimensional characterisation was a sinister laugh matched by thunder in the background, with Mini-Me from Austin Powers in the background. 4. The over-dramatic music:  Although Waar features a stellar soundtrack, the filmmakers gave it more love than it deserved, overusing it to the point where it often drowned out the dialogue. Surely some of the film’s powerful scenes would have clicked better without the mismatched music overcooking the drama. 5. Cinematography:  If you watch the BBC’s documentary, Planet Earth, especially in HD, you will realise that Pakistan’s northern areas are ripe with opportunity for any filmmaker interested in capturing breathtaking locales on the camera. Too bad that aside from a few scenes, Waar misses the chance to feature some gorgeous backdrops. 6. Action sequences: Tense and well-paced, Waar’s opening action scene is nicely directed. Another scene in the film, where a police academy is attacked by terrorists, is also quite engaging. Regrettably, the climactic scene of the film, where the Pakistani armed forces take on the militants, is terribly edited, playing out like a sad spoof of war films. In a repeating pattern, this final sequence features shots of Pakistani soldiers firing randomly in the air at no one in particular, followed by snarling militants who are discharging weapons without cover or fear, and followed by gratuitous explosions that are powered by the film’s reported Rs200 million budget. The disconnect between these sewed together scenes is so obvious, that the entire final action sequence seems like it went through The Human Centipede process of film editing. What I really found interesting was the colour of the smoke which followed the explosions. I found it strange that it was as white as Gandalf’s beard. As experts can tell you, white smoke only follows explosions that employ homemade chemicals, while military grade high-end explosives always feature grey or even black smoke. So either the producers of Waar didn’t do their research, or they are trying to tell us something about the Pakistan army’s budget. Speaking of the Pakistan military, rumours making the rounds suggest that Waar was funded by the Pakistan military’s media relations arm, the ISPR. There seems to be no proof of this, other than the fact that the film projects the Pakistani armed forces as heroes. If this is clear evidence, then I suppose films like Saving Private Ryan (1998), Black Hawk Down (2001) and Inglorious Bastards (2009) were also military funded films, which seems silly. If we are truly serious about reviving our film industry, we should consider adapting the books of our critically acclaimed fiction writers, such as Mohammad Hanif. I am sure that with the right talent, the cinematic adaptation of A Case of Exploding Mangoes would find international acclaim. Such a film would need private backing however, since the ISPR would probably not be willing to fund a dark satire based on the death of General Ziaul Haq. [poll id="302"]

Wedding season is upon us and love is in the air. Every girl dreams of her fairytale wedding from the day her mother utters these kind words of wisdom,

“Susral ja kar naak mat katva daina!” (Don’t embarrass us when you go to your in-laws house!)

“10 days left to my BIG day guys... ahhhh!” “4 days to go... sooooo excited!!!!” “Shopping for the big day! Best. Feeling. Ever!!”

“Haye! Main kahan phasnay ja raha hun?” (Gosh, where have I gotten myself stuck?)

“Does the Valima package include a facial?” “Is a ‘mani-pedi’ inclusive of the wedding services?”  “Rose Beauty Parlor mein tou sirf Rs10,000 ka makeup hai, phir aap kyun double le rahay hain?” (Rose Beauty Parlour charges only Rs10,000 for bridal makeup, then why are you charging double the price?)

 “Atif tou mera bachpan ka dost hai, tum Saleema ko kyun bula rahay ho?” (Atif is my childhood friend, why are you inviting Saleema?)

Don Draper of AMC’s hit TV show Mad Men is said to be one of the most influential and charismatic characters on television. I too am a big fan. Not only do I find him exceptionally good looking, but he has given me a philosophy which many have been unable to convey. In fact, this philosophy pertains to all of us, to everyone out there who is trying to find the purpose of life. Perhaps this is why so many of us are influenced by him – because we can relate to him. He is a fragment of ourselves; an amalgamation of who we want to be, who we are afraid to be and who we really are. Like Don Draper, we all go through periods of identity crises where we feel doubtful and fearful of our purpose in life, and yet somehow we try to flee from our regrets and move on towards success. Don Draper’s ‘rags to riches’ story is a striking reflection of the harsh realities of life – of adversities and inner conflicts – something which many Pakistanis today can understand and relate to. Don Draper is haunted by past ghosts and living in a façade of picture-perfect happiness with the whole works – a family, a house, money and success. Like many of us, he is also a lost individual searching for happiness instead of merely selling it. He is constantly faced by demons from his past, and struggles to move on in spite of them. It seems like he is always either running away from something or running into myriad problems; all the while, as he hides from one form of satisfaction whilst seeking another. My question is, aren’t we all constantly running away from something such as our regrets, our weaknesses and our flaws which we don’t want others to see? Aren’t we all running towards our ambitions, our goals and our dreams? Aren’t we constantly in the pursuit of happiness and motivation? Like Donald Draper, we are all but wanderers constantly on the move to an unknown destination, hoping that it turns out to be what we want it to be. Speaking of ambitions, here are a few reasons why Don Draper is an inspiration for professionals as well. Believe in yourself and your work Being part of the advertising industry, it is imperative for Don to make an impressive pitch to get the client’s approval. However, Draper does more than that. He is deeply committed to his work and develops a deep bond with the products he sells. Moreover, he instils that bond in his employees as well so that they develop the same motivation and passion for work. Isn’t this the drive that we, as workers constantly need? Perhaps, a scene from an episode can better illustrate this:

Peggy Olson: “Sex sells.” Don Draper: “Says who? Just so you know, the people who talk that way think that monkeys can do this. They take all this monkey crap and just stick it in a briefcase completely unaware that their success depends on something more than their shoe-shine. You are the product. You feeling something – that’s what sells. Not them. Not sex. They can’t do what we do, and they hate us for it.” 

“People want to be told what to do so badly that they’ll listen to anyone.”

“I don’t believe in fate. You make your own opportunities.”

“Now I am quietly waiting, For the catastrophe of my personality, To seem beautiful again, And interesting and modern.”

Last week I had to go to Islamabad for an interview at the Turkish embassy. The tiring experience of getting into the infamous diplomatic enclave severely tested my patience. The long wait at the embassy was accompanied by somewhat unearthly people who dared to bring their cell phones inside. How they managed to pull this stunt is still a mystery to me, as I myself was checked at two points leading me to drop my iPad and cell phone at the counter. As a cherry on the top, I was told to come back in the evening to collect the passports. Only I know how I refrained from snubbing the woman who very conveniently informed me about the second visit and called for the next candidate. I had to pass the next five hours in the most unimpressive city of the country. I went to my favourite Tuscany Courtyard for lunch. While grabbing something to eat, my husband and I discussed how to spend the next few hours. Having been up since 5am, both of us were too exhausted to make any social calls. Suddenly the idea of visiting the new Fun City at the Centaurus Mall crossed my mind. I had heard a lot about it from acquaintances residing in Islamabad and based on the reviews, I had reluctantly raised my expectations. Nonetheless my mind was full of questions. For starters, how can adults enjoy kids rides and above all, will those rides even be safe? [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Saman Asif[/caption] I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised the minute I entered. The staff members courteously greeted me and I was issued an electronic voucher upon paying Rs500, which included the entry fee and credit to enjoy the games and ride. I popped up my card and began to explore the place. Visually the place was truly international - the interior, the games, the rides and the division of each section gave a very positive feel. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Saman Asif[/caption] The place had all the electronic and mechanical games that Pakistan has never seen before. They had motion responsive gaming, Laser Maze, simulators and redemption gaming. After observing the entire place, my husband and I divided our areas of interest. After that there was no looking back! I played motion responsive games and played Laser maze... thrice. The idea of navigating a maze in a pitch black room without breaking any beam is exceptionally exciting. What made the experience even more fun were the music and lighting effects. Next came the indoor drop and twist, and king hammer followed by bumper cars. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: The Fun City Pakistan Facebook Page[/caption] After gaming continuously for two and a half hours I was famished and, to my surprise, Fun City had its own restaurant called Mrs Mayors serving a variety of food. After finishing my meal, I realised this place had done the impossible – it had rejuvenated me. I happily rushed to the embassy. When I came back to Lahore, I informed all my friends and family about this truly state-of-the-art family recreational theme park. If I say Fun City is one of Pakistan’s best indoor themed parks then I would be wrong because this place has no competition. We have no indoor theme parks. This is the first of its kind. Fun City is Pakistan’s version of Disneyland. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Saman Asif[/caption] I remember, whilst taking a tour of the amusement park, I met the manager who informed me that the upcoming attractions included an ice skating rink, augmented reality and scenario simulators, and a bowling alley; I was highly impressed. In a country where suicide bombs and terrorist activities have become a norm, such entertainment was not only unusual but long overdue. Usually in Pakistan, when kids go to local amusement places, mothers have nothing to do. At Fun City, however, mothers and even grandparents can have fun with their kids. In case the guardians do not wish to join in on the fun, they have the option of dropping their children in the safe hands of the staffers for hours, while they shop in the mall. They can even hang-out in the restaurant. The concept of play-dates can easily be practiced at Fun City. I also discovered that Fun City offers a customised birthday experience as well. On selected days and timings, they offer exclusive packages that allow people to book the entire premises for birthday celebrations. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Fun City Pakistan Facebook Page[/caption] Other than this, children can attend yoga, gymnastics, Taekwondo and additional fun-based activities. The session is conducted by Mr Jalal Hyder Khan, fitness expert and child development specialist. The only downside of Fun City is its' slightly expensive coupons. The place is not for the masses. Only people belonging to a particular income group can enjoy these rides, an idea that I do not approve of. But then I myself came up with the justification that, a facility which offers high-end rides and services requires high maintenance. The technical staff members who examine the rides on a regular basis are trained internationally. I personally would not mind paying a few extra rupees for the safety of myself or my children! I would recommend everyone visit Fun City with their families at least once. Especially, if you are living in Islamabad then a visit to this amusement land is beyond compulsory!

Space movies have always enthralled viewers because of their special effects. Gravity’s plot is a typical space survival story but the way the scenes are shot makes Gravity less of a movie and more of an experience where viewers can feel weightlessness, solitude and chills running down their spine. Director Alfonso Cuaron has taken the concept of space movies to the next level with Gravity. Movies such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Armageddon, and Apollo 13 are a few from this genre that were box office hits and still have a place in the viewer’s subconscious mind. [Warning: some spoilers ahead] In this space disaster flick, Dr Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Lieutenant  Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) have to survive in space after the debris of a satellite, destroyed by Russia, changes trajectory and hits their space shuttle, Explorer. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Space shuttle, Explorer, destroyed by the debris. Photo: Publicity[/caption] Produced by Alfonso Cuaron and Jonas Cuaron, Gravity’s cinematography is such that viewers are bound to remain glued to the screen from the beginning until the end. The movie is free from cast clutter; where some are in space while the rest are busy heading matters at NASA headquarters. News reporters and family members also add confusion and distract you from the main plot of the film. Gravity, on the other hand, only has three characters that appear on the screen. Apart from Bullock and Clooney, the cast also includes Shariff (Paul Sharma), who is a part of the first 10 minutes of the movie until the debris kills him. The supporting cast only makes its presence as voices from Mission Control and the Russian Space Station. This keeps the movie focused on one plot as it tells the story of a surviving astronaut. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Wall Street Journal's review. Photo: Gravity Facebook page[/caption] Although the movie has quite a few emotional scenes, there are certain moments of humour as well. For instance, in the opening scenes of the movie when Stone is busy fixing the glitch in the system before the debris hits the Explorer, Kowalski joyfully floats in space with the support of his jetpack for he wishes to beat the record of the longest spacewalk in history. https://twitter.com/markmahon/status/399275984173551616 There are certain scenes in almost every movie that don’t add up towards the final scheme. Also, a film that casts only one or two characters sharing the same camera time can be monotonous. Gravity, however, was carefully planned and thankfully didn’t drag on unnecessarily. The story remains gripping because of Stone’s minute by minute struggle to survive in space. One epilogue that I particularly like is when Stone is trying to grab the handle of the space shuttle so she isn’t propelled into space and her only hope for survival is the cord attached to the shuttle that is wrapped around her leg. Kowalski, who doesn’t have fuel for his jetpack, is also trying to save his life by holding on to the same cord. Since his weight is pulling Stone away, Kowalski has no choice but to let go of the cord so that she can get to the shuttle. As he floats in space moving away from Stone and drifts deeper into the black void, you also feel the loneliness that Stone experiences at that moment. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kowalski lets go of the cord so that Stone can get to the shuttle. Photo: Publicity[/caption] The innovative cameras and digital technology used by Alfonso Cuaron to create the movement of astronauts in space makes Gravity all the more captivating. The cameras move swiftly between the astronauts and the space shuttle with Earth in the backdrop. Cameras were placed on robotic tripods similar to the industrial robots used at an assembly line of an automobile manufacturing factory. This gave the crew ample room and ideas to make scenes that we normally don’t get to see in movies. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kowalski and Stone float in space while admiring the view. Photo: Publicity[/caption] Whether or not Kowalski is dead and whether Stone made it home would be entirely up to the viewer.

Finally, the most awaited season of Coke Studio is on air. However, like last year, it seems like Coke Studio has not been able to ignite the same interest in people like it did in the first two seasons. Having said that, with just one episode on air, it is probably too early to determine the success of this season. What is different this time however, is that Coke Studio seems to have competition – and that too, young and fresh competition – in the form of Nescafe Basement. This show has been produced by Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan, better known as Zulfi, who used to be a part of Entity Paradigm (EP) and is currently in the band Call. Moreover, Nescafe Basement centres around artists under the age of 22. A social media war seems to have broken out between fans of Coke Studio and supporters of Nescafe Basement. https://twitter.com/uqkhan/status/398451169527205888 https://twitter.com/skhan38/status/398134125699530753 https://twitter.com/hasanshahzad/status/397785837506535424 Intrigued by this battle of the fans, I decided to watch episodes of both shows back-to-back and having done so, I have a better understanding of why there seems to be a growing preference for Nescafe Basement over Coke Studio. Below are some of my observations regarding some tracks from both shows: COKE STUDIO Khayal by Umair Jaswal [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16h7nb_coke-studio-season-6-episode1-khayaal-umair-jaswal-2013-hd-suleman-record_music?search_algo=2[/embed] This has to be my favourite song so far, perhaps because I am more into the classic rock genre. The use of the rhythm guitar and drums has a definite Led Zeppelin feel which takes you back to the classic 70s era. Moreover, the melody of the strings in the background makes the song grow on you after a couple of listens. Of course, Umair’s vocals are absolutely superb as always, with smooth high pitches towards the end of the track. Unfortunately, although it is beautifully produced, rock music has still not caught up to the masses in Pakistan. Babu Bhai –Ali Azmat [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16h74k_babu-bhai-coke-studio-pakistan-season-6-episode-1_music[/embed] Ali Azmat, the man who needs no introductions, came up with a song called Babu Bhai which carries a very crucial message. With a pop-funk based feel, mixed with some electronic elements, the song has a great beat, but once again has a very western feel in terms of production. However, the end chorus with its multiple harmonies is quite innovative and even a bit of a tongue twister. Give it a try and see if you can sing it. Good luck! Now, let’s see what Nescafe Basement has to offer us. NESCAFE BASEMENT Ankhiyan – Hamza Tanveer [embed width="620"]http://vimeo.com/78412926[/embed] Remember the super hit sung by Fuzon? Well, it has been re-hashed by young Hamza Tanveer. It is my guess that the original is so popular that listeners would immediately connect to the new version. The arrangement by Zulfi has done justice to the track and overall it is very catchy. Moreover, the young vocalist has done a decent job of trying to step into Shafqat Amanat Ali’s huge shoes. Tere Ishq Mein – Various Artists [embed width="620"]http://vimeo.com/78410582[/embed] I have always loved the classic sung by Allan Fakir and Mohammad Ali Shaikhi and listening to it on Nescafe Basement made me very nostalgic. Since pretty much everyone who hears it can relate to it, the song hardly faces any acceptance barrier. Credit goes to Zulfi’s production for keeping the soulful Sufi element of the track intact while doing the adaptation. Which show is better? As a musician myself, with some experience in production, I believe that the two shows are not comparable. Also, how can one compare art when each listener derives his/her own meaning from music that they listen to? Although Coke Studio has been the pioneer in the country to launch shows of this kind, its main focus has been on producing new tracks by established artists. Moreover, this season it has also received criticism for collaborating with musicians from abroad and not giving enough of a chance to local musicians – which seemed to be the objective behind the show initially. However, this is just the sixth season of the show, people! If after five seasons, they have brought in some foreign artists, then let’s take it as a breath of fresh air and enjoy the music. On the other hand, Nescafe Basement has done well with its first episode featuring revamped hit tracks, which already improves the chances of acceptability and appreciation by listeners. During a conversation with Zulfi, I found out that the upcoming episodes will also carry some original tracks. Although Nescafe Basement deserves praise for providing a platform to the youth and bringing something new to the industry, I feel that neither Coke Studio nor Nescafe Basement have provided enough support to all the musicians who deserve to be on such shows. We have talented musicians like Shallum Xavier, Aamir Zaki, Meekal Hasan, Adnan Afaq, Nabeel Nihal (who used to be in Aaroh), who have not been given their due credit yet. Hopefully, the upcoming seasons will include a mix of new talent with old experienced musicians. If you ask me, I personally enjoy both Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement, because each show brings with it its own individual flavour. I grew up listening to Rohail Hyatt as a kid, while during my teens Zulfi opened a whole new dimension of music for me with his work in EP. I respect both, Rohail Hyatt and Zulfi for their brilliant contributions to the world of music in Pakistan. Of course, having a close friend as the drummer in Nescafe Basement does tilt my loyalties just a little! Jokes aside, I think both shows have their strengths and weaknesses and it would be better if people appreciate the diversity that each has to offer. Thank you, Coke Studio and Nescafe Basement for giving us melodious sanctuary. [poll id="305"]

The days I have a vegetarian craving, Achari bhindi (okra) is one of my favourite dishes. I confess my favourite way to cook and eat Okra is with minced meat. Nothing beats that. I will share that recipe at some point in time as well. Acharai bhindi (okra) is a delightful way of cooking and enjoying a vegetarian meal. This recipe doesn’t get any easier than this. On days when you’re tired and don’t have the energy to cook much, yet want to eat something yummy, this is the recipe for you; a quick and easy way to satisfy that insatiable appetite. I will be using fresh Okra but frozen okra works just as well, however, it does take a little bit longer to cook. Here goes! What you will need: Okra/Bhindi – ½ kg (cut in small pieces). Vegetable Oil – 5 tbsp Tomatoes – 2 large (Sliced) Onions – 1 large (Sliced) Lemon – 1 large Ginger/Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp Cumin/Zeera – 1 tsp Mustard seed/ Rai – 1 tsp Nigella Seed / Kalonji - 1 tsp Fenugreek Seeds / Meethi dana - 1 tsp [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Ambreen Malik[/caption] Method: 1. Heat a pan and add oil. 2. Add Okra/bhindi to it and sauté on high heat till the stickiness goes away and the okra becomes lightly brown. It will take around 10-15 minutes. Fresh Okra will take less time, whereas frozen ones take longer to rid themselves of the slimy stickiness. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Ambreen Malik[/caption] 3. Once the okra is brown, add ginger / garlic paste and cook it. 4. Now add the sliced tomatoes along with all the spices. 5. After three minutes, add the sliced onions and let it cook for about two more minutes. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Ambreen Malik[/caption] 6. Add half a cup of water and mix. Cover the pan and let it simmer for eight to ten minutes over low heat. The aim is to soften the tomatoes and onions. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Ambreen Malik[/caption] 7. Once the tomatoes and onions are well done, increase the heat to dry out the extra water completely. The dish is ready once the oil comes out onto the sides. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Ambreen Malik[/caption] 8. Switch off the stove and add the juice of one large lemon. Garnish with fresh green chilies. A bowl of yoghurt, our lovely achari bhindi and hot roti will be the perfect meal for a tiring day. Delicious, healthy and easy on time! This post originally appeared here.

The moment I saw the first promo of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Ram-Leela, I decided I had to watch it. I did not think that it would change my views about world cinema, nor was it the most captivating promo one would ever see; but it did look absolutely stunning. I knew that it would be nothing less than a visual treat. However, before you classify me as a die-hard fan of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, let me clarify. I am not a huge Bhansali fan, I particularly did not like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (HDDCS) or Devdas and I could not bear Saawariya for 15 minutes. Having said that, it is true that when you watch a film that is based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you do not watch it for the story. Romeo and Juliet has had many adaptations, not only on stage, but also musical versions – West Side Story, soft romantic versions – Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and of course, contrived versions like Ishaqzaade. So there is no doubt that Ram-Leela is a generic film. After all, how can a plot set in violent times in Rajasthan bring anything new to the screen in terms of story? So what remained to be seen was how ‘Bhansali-esque’ the film was and boy, it was very ‘Bhansali-esque’. From the song in the opening credits to the grandeur of the sets and chroma keying; from the uber artistic choreography to the exceptionally beautiful frames, Ram-Leela oozes Bhansali’s class as a filmmaker even if his writing is somewhat questionable. Ram-Leela thrives on technical superiority and performances, with Ravi Varman’s camera work taking the cake. If you thought that Sudeep Chatterjee was good in Guzaarish, Ravi Varman has taken cinematography to a whole new level in Ram-Leela. The camera work in the film is literally a piece of art. There are just too many beautiful moments to write about and you will have to go see for yourself! The film’s second strength is its choreography. Even though I think that there are two songs too many in the film, it is the music videos where the film reveals its true ‘Bhansali-esqueness’. The songs have been picturised exquisitely, such as the blood eluded Lahu Munh Lag Gaya, which is reminiscent of Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan from HDDCS.  [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15svvh_lahu-munh-lag-gaya-song-hd-video-ram-leela-ranveer-singh-deepika-padukone_music[/embed] Of course, there is also the utterly sensual imagery in Ang Laga De Re where Leela entices Ram and even Priyanka Chopra’s completely misplaced item song Ram Chahe Leela does make its mark with regards to picturisation. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1713ka_ang-laga-de-hd-video-song-teaser-ram-leela-2013-deepika-padukone-ranveer-singh_music[/embed] [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16fgoo_ram-chahe-leela-song-ft-priyanka-chopra-ram-leela_shortfilms[/embed] Add to that the film’s sound design, costume design, make-up, art direction and dialogues, and you see the infinite creativity of Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a director. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Priyanka Chopra is receiving rave reviews for her sultry item song Ram Chahe Leela. Photo: File[/caption] Then, there are the performances. Although Gulshan Devaiya as Bhavani is below par and could have delivered more, the rest of the supporting cast has really stepped up. Richa Chadda proves her mettle yet again while Abhimanyu Shekhar Singh, although less terrifying than he was as Bukka Reddy in Rakta Charitra, is right on the money. Nonetheless, the film belongs to three characters – Ram, Leela and Baa. Baa is played by the underexposed and highly plausible Supriya Pathak. Her character is both, fearless and fearsome at the same time. She is a woman who can go to the extreme of cutting her beloved daughter’s finger simply to take off a ring. Pathak, who was forgotten for her roles in Kalyug and Bazaar, and is remembered as the comedian from Khichdi, has made a comeback of the highest order and filled her role splendidly. Then there is Leela. Gorgeous, aggressive and tempestuous in those ghagras and cholis, Leela is Bhansali’s replacement of Devdas’s Paro. There were moments when I actually forgot Paro like when Leela wrote Ram’s name on the mirrors in her room, or when she held a gun to his stomach and vowed to kill him if he cheated on her, or then when she touched his feet in complete submission. There literally seem to be fifty shades in Leela’s character and Deepika Padukone has done justice with all her emotional outbursts. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Deepika has once again proved her versatility in Ram-Leela, while Ranveer has finally emerged as a serious actor. Photo: File[/caption] Deepika has left her comfort zone of being the new-age urban girl from Cocktail, Love Aaj Kal, Yeh Jawani, Break Ke Baad and so forth. Her scenes with Richa Chadda in the second half are utterly brilliant. If Ram-Leela is a success, this will be her fifth consecutive hit and her performances wholly deserve that sort of success. Last but not least, there is Ranveer Singh – an actor who is completely at ease with himself. From the nonchalant guy in Band Baaja Baaraat, Ranveer has come a long way because Ram is not like the everyday lover boy that any actor could play. Disreputability is his pride. He does not play cute, compelling you to love him back. Instead, he runs suspicious video stores and flaunts his well-toned body at women. And then he changes. From an authentic lover who slits his wrist, he becomes a resolute leader who shuns his sister-in-law implying that he has forgotten his personal life. As good as Ranveer is in playing this character in its physicality, he is even better at playing the hazy pre-requisites of a Bhansali movie. His energetic dance moves and his manifestation of holding back something from spilling out are a treat to watch. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="640"] Ram-Leela's spectacular choreography and energetic dance moves are a treat to watch.[/caption] Any actor in a Bhansali movie has to be a performing artist and Ranveer Singh fulfils this requirement with great aptitude. His confrontation scene with Leela towards the end of the movie before the sarpanch played by Raza Murad, is arguably the best part of the film. Although we have seen the world that Bhansali has created in Ram-Leela before in HDDCS with its rich colours, similar soundtrack and even the same bhavai, it seems less mawkish and more vehement this time. I, for one, prefer this world over the earlier one. Yes, there were a few dragged sequences in the film and I would have personally liked to cut a song and 10 minutes from each half, but that does not take away the fact that the film was indeed a visual treat. It looks like Ram-Leela could well be the return of Sanjay Leela Bhansali and perhaps, the emergence of Ranveer Singh as a serious actor.

I love noodles of all shapes, sizes and types! Fortunately for me, there is a small restaurant near my house that serves the best stir-fried egg noodles in the world. My siblings and I can devour that dish every day for the rest of our lives and not get sick of it. Yes, it’s that good! The soft yet chewy noodles, the perfect balance of ingredients and that appetising aroma, all coupled together, make the dish worth ordering again and again. Since my family and I loved them so much, I thought I should try my hands at making them. After several attempts, experimenting with different ingredients, using different ratios and proportions of sauces and spices, and even a couple of different cooking techniques, I finally succeeded! This recipe, if not better, tastes just as good as those stir-fried noodles. If you love cooking, this is an amazingly easy recipe that is guaranteed to wow your family time and again! [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="612"] Photo: Zubia Rizvi[/caption] You will need: Dried Egg Noodles - 1 large bowl (I used my own homemade noodles, you can use any of your favourite brands) Chicken – 1 bowl (cut in cubes) Garlic – 2 tbsp (crushed) Baby corn – 1 bowl (diced) Mushroom – ½ a bowl (sliced) Capsicum – 1 medium sized Onion – 2 small sized (sliced) Light Soy Sauce – 2 tbsp Chicken powder – 2 tbsp Corn flour – 1 tsp (heaped) Sugar – 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce – 1 tsp Salt – Just a punch (Be careful not to add too much salt since you’re adding chicken powder and soy sauce that already contain enough salt) Freshly ground black pepper – 1 tsp (Fresh tastes better, avoid adding previously grounded pepper if you want better results) Oil – 3 tbsp Water – As needed [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="599"] Photo: Zubia Rizvi[/caption] Method

1. Boil the noodles as per the instructions on the packet. If you are using homemade noodles, they should take only three to four minutes, so watch out.

2. Cut all your vegetables in advance and keep them at hand for easy access as this recipe will require some high flame cooking and you don’t want your veggies being overcooked whilst reaching out for the salt or pepper.

3. Put a wok on high heat and let it heat up before adding any oil to it.

4. Add oil and then the crushed garlic, cook for 30 seconds and add the sliced onion.

5. Add the chicken; make sure you do this on a very high flame as the chicken, when cooked on high flame, retains its moisture and stays juicy and tender.

6. Cook the chicken for three to four minutes. When it changes colour, and becomes white, add the mushrooms and baby corn and cook for 30 seconds more.

7. Now add the capsicum along with salt, pepper, sugar, soy sauce and oyster sauce. Keep stirring.

8. Fill a cup half with water and mix the chicken powder and corn flour in it, add this to your chicken and veggies, and cook for another 30 seconds.

9. Add the boiled noodles to your stir-fried vegetables and chicken, stir well.

10. Your veggies should not lose their natural colour and shouldn’t become soggy. Dish out and serve while it’s still hot!

When I started watching Kankar, I was happy that there was finally a Pakistani play that depicted a strong independent woman who was not willing to bend down to the whims and fancies of our patriarchal society. The central character of this Pakistani prime time serial is a brave woman named Kiran standing up to her so called “Mijaazi Khuda” (husband) to fight for her rights. Instead of the usual victimised daughters-in-law, the character is one that many women will be able to relate to and perhaps find hope or salvation in, knowing that it is alright to stand up against domestic abuse. However in the last two episodes, the play took a dramatic turn towards the usual clichéd Cinderella-finds-her-happy-ending route. The character, who stubbornly demanded a divorce from her abusive husband, has finally decided to remarry. She remarries her cousin, Adnan, who has been smitten by her since the beginning of the serial. The average abused Pakistani woman, who was until now, weaving dreams for a better future after leaving her husband, finally finds herself without a thread to hold onto. The unfortunate wife, who is mentally and physically tortured every day, knows that if she decides to leave her husband again, she might not find another cousin waiting for her. She will either live the life of an outcast being brandished with the tag of a “Talaaq-e-Aafta” (divorcee) forever or she will have to marry a man twice her age and look after his grown up children. Such possibilities are also hinted in one of the previous episodes, when the matchmaker brings the proposal of a man twice Kiran’s age with children of his own. Instead of showing her relying on the support of a man to get back on her feet, the play should have focused on the struggles and problems faced by Kiran and how she manages to get through all of them unscathed. This would have rekindled hope in the hearts of women, a hope that divorce is not the end of the world. If they are not content with their husband’s behaviour, they have a way out to a better life without such a man. Sadly, what this play depicts is that a divorced woman is considered a pariah in our society. She is continuously taunted with sentences like:

“Is hi ki ghalti thi. Aurat chahay to apna ghar bana lay ya bigaar lay. Shadi to naam hi compromise ka hay. Pata nahin kiya kiya bardassht karna parta hay or is maharani ko dekho, ghar wapis a ker beth gayi” (It was her fault. If a woman wills, she can either make her home or break it. Marriage is also called compromise. A woman has the patience to bare various hurdles and look at this princess, she has come back to sit at home)

Based on a true story, Captain Phillips will surely bring you to the edge of your seats within the first few minutes because Tom Hanks, as always, brings credibility to his role. This time, playing the character of Captain Phillips, Hanks gives a splendid performance. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] A still from the movie Captain Phillips. Photo: Captain Phillips Official Facebook Page[/caption] The build-up leading to the pirates taking over Captain Phillips’ cargo ship ‘Maersk Alabama’, is another moment that brings a realistic appeal that holds the viewers’ attention. Debutant Somali actors Barkhad Abdi, Faysal Ahmed, and Barkhad Abdirahman have played the role of Somali pirates pretty well. When combined with Hanks’ theatrical skills, it adds just the right amount of thrill require to make hostage movies famous. Supporting cast includes Max Martini, Catherine Keener, Michael Chernus, David Warshofsky, Corey Johnson, and Yul Vasquez. Regardless of the cast, Hanks gets the maximum camera time, which is justified by the plot because it focuses on Captain Phillips’ survival. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Captain Phillips Official Facebook Page[/caption] Warning: Spoilers ahead! Paul Greengrass, famous for directing Bloody Sunday (2002), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), and Green Zone (2010), does a great job directing Captain Phillips, where the smooth transitions between the scenes evidence his skill and drive to keep the momentum going. Greengrass did omit a few details and focused on the most important parts of the real incident. However, the actual crewmembers onboard the Maersk Alabama think otherwise and have claimed that the movie is more fiction than fact. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Captain Phillips Official Facebook Page[/caption] The movie begins with Captain Phillips arriving in Oman to lead his ship to Mombasa, Kenya. Although they knew that Somali pirates do hunt for ships in that part of the ocean, Captain Phillips decides to go ahead with the plan instead of taking an alternate route which was both costly and time consuming. After spotting the hijackers, Captain Phillips sends a message to the authorities but the Somali hijackers, determined to get large sums of cash, managed to get onboard and take the ship hostage. Captain Phillips then, refuses to let the pirates capture his crewmembers and after a scuffle in the engine room, Phillips’ crew captures the pirate leader, Muse (Barkhad Abdi). All four pirates manage to flee in the lifeboat with Captain Phillips as hostage. The US Navy SEAL team, after being informed of the incident, commence their negotiations until Captain Phillips is safely rescued. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="450"] Photo: Captain Phillips Official Facebook Page[/caption] Greengrass manages to add comic relief in the movie considering the intensity of the plot. One such moment is when Muse and his three partners are in the ship’s control deck subduing Captain Phillips and Muse is heard repeatedly saying,

“Relax, Captain, relax. No Al Qaeda, no Al Qaeda. Business, just business.”

Growing up, I always noticed that romantic comedies, also known as ‘rom-coms’, mostly circled around a single theme: boy and girl spot each other, possibly kickoff at loggerheads, realise the attraction somewhere in between, fight the world, win the battle and unite in the midst of song and dance - or more popularly known as ‘Happily Ever After’.  Although Hollywood evolved and began to produce rom-coms based on what happens after the lovey-dovey couple get together, Bollywood continued to shy away from such storylines until fairly recently. Chalte Chalte and Saathiya were among the first movies to depict the topic of post-marriage matters and hence, both films were considered to be slightly more intense than the usual light viewing of Bollywood rom-coms. However, the movies paved the way for the industry to venture into producing more films on similar themes. With time, another element seemed to emerge – that of two strong individuals instead of one being the damsel in distress, as seen historically. This breakthrough led to movies like Break Ke Baad and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, to name the more recent ones. Gori Tere Pyaar Mein is a bit of both these themes and although the movie’s glamour factors are purely its two leads – Imran Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan - and of course, the banner that produced it – Karan Johar – the production and story itself are quite simple. The movie centres around two urbane people with opposing mentalities. Dia, played by Kareena Kapoor Khan, is a modern day strong-headed environmentalist with unalterable beliefs, whose focus is to improve life for the less -fortunate. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x14kvzl_gori-tere-pyaar-mein-official-trailer-2013_fun[/embed] On the other hand, Sriram Venkat, played by Imran Khan, is a whimsical, non-ambitious, flirtatious boy who works on and off in his father’s company. His life revolves around material things and he is well described by Dia as “shallow” [but] “not as emotionless as he portrays”. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15rmux_tooh-hd-video-song-gori-tere-pyaar-mein-2013-imran-khan-kareena-kapoor_music[/embed] Although the chemistry between the lead characters may come across as almost on-existent, one does get the impression that this depiction is intentional. The characters are meant to share a very individualistic and independent relationship so much so that Sriram almost considers their relationship to be casual, only to find out that Dia thinks it to be more serious; although she agrees with him that it should not change their personalities. Until of course, the attraction fizzles out and reality bites. While the first half revolves around them trying to make sense of a relationship, without compromising their extremely developed personalities and beliefs, the second half of the movie is dedicated to Sriram looking for Dia in a remote village with a motive to win her back. To say that the movie is not dramatic would be a misnomer since it has its fair share of dramatic moments such as the runaway groom and the heart-broken lover singing at his lost love’s wedding, among others. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16gsol_chingam-chabake-official-hd-new-item-song-2013-gori-tere-pyaar-mein-imran-khan-kareena-kapoor_music[/embed] However, what the movie and its story must be commended on is its mild underscoring of nuances in relationships – moving on yet holding on, differences in knowing each other and future plans, re-evaluating the bond and reasons for friction over the slightest things. And of course, the most important and rarely talked about subject – who decides the way forward in a relationship and is it always mutual? Although the bigger story continued to be ‘Will he win her back?’ these were all touched upon through mere dialogues and certain scenes. The movie does not have memorable songs although they provide light listening while they play; nor does it boast extravagant settings or remarkable dialogue. However, it has two strong supporting cast members –Shraddha Kapoor as Vasudha who played Sriram’s rebound and Anupam Kher as the corrupt tax collector in the village to which Dia moved to after her break-up with Sriram. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16mm2b_naina-hd-video-song-gori-tere-pyaar-mein-2013-imran-khan-kareena-kapoor_music[/embed] Yet, the movie has its moments where the viewer cannot help but guffaw out loud and most of the credit for comic relief goes to Imran Khan and Anupam Kher. For some, it may also be the crab that Sriram ‘adopted’ instead of eating it in a restaurant, to show his love for Dia and her cause. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kareena Kapoor Khan plays an 'NGO-type' in Gori Tere Pyar Mein. Photo: Facebook page Gori Tere Pyar Mein[/caption] Overall, the movie provides light entertainment and a fun watch, with some moments that may replay in the head later.

With its dark and powerful plot coupled with an abundance of fantastic performances, Francis Lawrences’s Catching Fire is as gripping a watch as its former film. But unlike The Hunger Games, the latest instalment in the franchise based on Suzanne Collins’ popular books, portrays a much darker world and leaves no stone unturned to show the horrors people suffer under totalitarian regimes. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x125chq_the-hunger-games-catching-fire-official-trailer_shortfilms[/embed] Catching Fire takes us back to the dark, despairing country of Panem. After winning the 74^th edition of the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) return to their home in District 12, the most suppressed sector of Panem. They are on their way to beginning a victory tour of the country when President Coriolanus Snow (Donald Sutherland), Panem’s tyrannical ruler, visits Everdeen with a stark message. He explains that her approach to ending the last Hunger Games, where she and Peeta attempted a suicide pact after learning that only one of them could make it, inspired rebellions in the rest of the districts. He orders Everdeen, who is seen as a symbol of hope by many of Panem’s oppressed citizens, to alleviate the instability. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="302"] Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark win the 74th annual Hunger Games. Photo: AFP[/caption] Everdeen is unable to successfully do so and instead inadvertently convinces President Snow that she is a liability whose presence will lead to further unrest in the country. As a result, President Snow decides that the most effective way to eliminate her is to have former Hunger Games’ winners, including herself and Peeta, participate in the 75^th annual Hunger Games. The movie continues with Everdeen being thrust into the Hunger Games arena once again to participate in yet another fight for her survival. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark forced to participate in the 75th Hunger Games. PHOTO: AFP[/caption] Everdeen’s character has evolved since the previous film. In the previous Hunger Games, she was shown as a stern but resilient girl who willingly volunteered to participate in the annual tournament in place of her younger sister. She is hell-bent on survival, for she is aware of the fact that her family will not survive for long in her absence. However in Catching Fire, she is emotionally damaged and is traumatised by her experience at the games. She is struggling to come to terms with the deaths she witnessed in the arena, with mental images of the fallen contestants acting as constant reminders of the horrors she was subjected to. Reprising her role as Everdeen, Jennifer Lawrence delivers a superb performance that is worthy of high praise. She successfully plays an emotionally damaged girl who can still fight for what she believes in when the time calls for it. https://twitter.com/KatieMowgli/status/405550384531271680 Other noteworthy performances include those of Josh Hutcherson as Everdeen’s friend, admirer and fellow Hunger Games winner Peeta Mellark, Woody Harrelson as the duo’s perennially drunk yet admirably considerate mentor Haymitch Abernathy and Donald Sutherland as the heartless tyrant President Snow. New cast members Philip Seymour Hoffman as Plutarch Heavensbee the new Gamemaker, Hunger Games’ new heartthrob Sam Claflin (Finnick Odair), Jena Malone (Johanna Mason) and Lynn Cohen (Mags) as the former winners participating, also give memorable performances respectively. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="340"] Catching Fire cast. Jena Malone, Sam Claflin, Philip Seymour Hoffman & Lynn Cohen. Photo: AFP[/caption] https://twitter.com/addison_angelo/status/405902311911747584 Unlike the previous film, Catching Fire contains noticeably fewer action sequences and is arguably less violent. While a greater emphasis on the Hunger Games tournament, shown for less than half of the film’s duration, would have been appreciated, it must be understood that the film’s primary focus lies on exploring the themes that were only given a brief mention in the previous film. Catching Fire paints the picture of an Orwellian world that is so desperately struggling to free itself from the shackles of totalitarian rule, one where an unforgiving ruler keeps his people in line by imposing mass censorship and publicly tortures anybody who does not abide by the rules set by the regime. Fear is used as an indicator to control and any sign of hope is stomped on with swiftness. In many ways, Catching Fire is darker than the first sequel of The Hunger Games, which is quite a statement given that the latter’s primary focus was on a competition that pits children against each other in a battle to the death. This bleak scenario adds complexity to this fascinating plot and makes for a watch that kept me glued throughout the film’s entirety. Catching Fire’s strong plot and premise, assisted by a stellar performance by Jennifer Lawrence as well as other cast members, make it a thoroughly enjoyable experience that builds on The Hunger Games and even surpasses it on many occasions. So buy your ticket, pick up some snacks and put your cell on vibrate as soon as possible, for you will surely regret missing these two hours and 15 minutes! https://twitter.com/TheHungerGames/status/405758959123832833 The third and last sequel to The Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay will be split into two parts. Part one is said to be released in November 2014 and part two in November 2015. If this film turned out to be more intense than its predecessor, then the other two coming up will definitely be nail-biting.

Everyone wants to look smart and slender. But most of us have extra pounds which we want to get rid of. All those nights of binge eating and food therapy will catch up with you eventually. I’m always looking for tips to get rid of that extra weight. We need to remember that there is no short cut to losing weight, even though it takes less time to gain it and more time to shed off those pounds. We have to work and be patient about the results. We can be assured of results, but to expect these results to be achieved overnight is wishful thinking. Here are a few tips for effective weight loss that have been tried and tested. Trust me when I say that I was in the same boat as you are right now. I used to read such articles and not believe a word written in them because I felt like it was all a gimmick and that, if it was so easy, everyone would be doing it. But then this one time I decided to give it a shot. To my surprise, I started noticing tangible results and saw my body change, just by following a few simple tips. You will have to be realistic and include these tips in your everyday routine.  The best part is you won’t have to go through the silly regime of starving yourself. So here are my tried and tested tips: 1. Drink water

Drink a lot of water – literally, a lot of it. 

Grapefruit is high in enzymes that burn fat.

Limit your portions. Divide your daily meals into five or six small portions.

While eating, avoid indulging in any other activity.

Leave one day as a cheat day.

Promise yourself that you will be more active.

7. Eat more vegetables and fruits

Try eating raw vegetables and fruits, as they are low in calories.

They are full of vital vitamins and minerals that help in reducing weight. They also help in food digestion, boost your energy and control blood pressure.

8. Switch to lighter alternatives

Try choosing low fats and low-carb food.

Instead of juices try eating fruits to get enough fiber. Use salsa and hummus in sandwiches rather than cheese spreads or mayonnaise. Eat sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes. Use skimmed milk in your coffee instead of cream. Use lemon dressing on salads rather than heavy oils.

9. Green tea

Green tea increases you metabolism and helps you burn more calories.

Green tea also controls cholesterol level; though it will take few weeks for its effects to materialise. I started drinking two cups of green tea per day without any dieting or working out and after a few days, I was amazed when I checked my weight - I had lost almost three kilograms! You can add sugar, honey or lemon in it, as per to your taste.

10. Be honest with yourself

Make a food journal and list down everything you eat.

It’ll help you know your consumption of calories which will enable you to cut down on those unnecessary calories you didn’t notice earlier. Note down everything that you put in your mouth, even if it’s a few M&Ms or a handful of nuts. After a while, set a certain calories limit and try to stick to that approximate intake.

If you have decided to start this regime, remember that it all depends on your will to control yourself. If you see yourself moving away from the right path, don’t give up. Instead, get back up and continue with the routine. It is guaranteed to help!

The ‘Doctor Who’ 50th Anniversary special finally hit the airwaves on Saturday November 23, after the endless amount of hype, merchandise, spoilers and speculation. The episode has received a Guinness World Record for the worlds largest ever simulcast of a TV drama after being broadcasted in 94 countries across the globe. More than 1,500 theatres worldwide screened the show, some even in 3D. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="466"] 'The Day of the Doctor'. Photo: Reuters[/caption] [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x13ze3n_final-doctor-who-50th-anniversary-theatrical-trailer_shortfilms[/embed] Spoilers ahead! Although the viewers were anticipating big, promising events from ‘The Day of the Doctor’, it surprisingly leaves out the major villains of the series to focus on the history of Gallifrey. As indicated by the mini-episodes that preceded the broadcast, this story takes place during the legendary Time War, which has been referenced but never fully revealed. ‘Time War’ was the devastating war between the Time Lords and the Daleks (Doctor’s biggest enemies) that threatened to engulf the entire universe. It fell to the Doctor to take the most drastic action by destroying his home world, Gallifrey and annihilating his own species along with the Daleks. John Hurt’s previously unseen  ‘War Doctor’ is the one who is responsible for taking this decision, as he has stolen a mass destruction device named ‘The Moment’. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="297"] The Daleks. Photo: AFP[/caption] This episode begins with the 11th Doctor and his companion Clara Oswald, being summoned by UNIT to the National Gallery where they observe a 3D image of the fall of Gallifrey and find out that Time Lords can create moments of time preserved in stasis that take form of 3D pictures. They later discover that Zygons, Doctor’s ancient enemies, have escaped the paintings using Time Lord’s technology. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="591"] Zygons, Doctor's ancient enemies. Photo: Reuters[/caption] Meanwhile, The Moment’s interface that takes the form of Rose Tyler, one of the most fan favourite companion, rips holes in space and time in order to show the War Doctor his own future. This tear in time brings the 11th and the War Doctor together with David Tenant’s 10th Doctor as he also encounters Zygons whilst inadvertently becoming engaged to Elizabeth I. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="576"] 'The Moment' interface Rose Tyler and the War Doctor. Source: BBC[/caption] Once the threat of Zygons is eliminated, the un-numbered War Doctor, who is between Paul McGanns’s Eight and Eccleston’s Ninth Doctor, goes off to activate ‘The Moment’ as he believes his ultimate sacrifice will cause peace to prevail in the universe. He is then joined by Smith and Tenant along with Clara where they all discuss how the Doctor has come to terms with the genocide he caused and the guilt he has been carrying off for hundreds of years. Ten and Eleven decide to help the War Doctor not be alone in his decision, to lessen his burden, but Clara’s tear streaked speech makes Eleven realise that they still have hope. Between the three of them, they begin to form a plot that could change their history. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="588"] 10th and 11th Doctor. Photo: Reuters[/caption] Fortunately, things end on a warm note, with the surprising appearance of each and every Doctor and 12 TARDIS’, as they revolve around the burning planet. Another huge surprise came in the form of Peter Capaldi’s teaser of the next Doctor. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="581"] Peter Capaldi's Teaser As The 12th Doctor. Source: BBC[/caption] From the very beginning of the episode, it is pretty clear that the show’s budget has been increased. The special features of the episode include the original black and white opening title, TARDIS being air-lifted to Trafalgar Square, the scenes from the Time War, the stock footage of each and every Doctor, and finally the cameo of Tom Baker, the fourth Doctor, bringing things to a full-circle as a tribute to the fans of the show. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="453"] TARDIS being air-lifted to Trafalgar Square. Source: BBC[/caption] In my opinion, ‘The Day of the Doctor’ is, by far, one of the best Doctor Who episodes the fans have ever been treated to. Steven Moffat, the writer of the episode, delivered a tremendously satisfying climax which was far more than what ‘Whovians’ were expecting. It completely changed the Doctor’s history without destroying the story arc. This is also the second last episode to feature Matt Smith as the 11th Time Lord, as he would be regenerated into Peter Capaldi, an Oscar-winning British actor, as the 12th Doctor during the Christmas special. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="618"] Peter Capaldi as the 12th Doctor. Photo: AFP[/caption] So if you are a Doctor Who fan, you do not want to miss this episode. I can’t wait until the Christmas special finally hits the airwaves!

Most of you know him as Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries (TVD) while some of you might know him as Boone Carlyle from Lost season one. So all of you know how amazing he is. Here are my 10 reasons for why Ian Somerhalder deserves to win the 2014 Peoples Choice Award. 1)       He uses his fame for good causes. He organised the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) which focuses on the global conservation of habitats, green energy and animals, alongside educating people on the importance of protecting the environment.They collaborate with different non-profit organisations, people and projects to positively impact the planet. Isn’t that astounding? [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="466"] A screenshot from ISF[/caption] 2) He’s the perfect example of a humanitarian. He supports various charities and foundations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, Elton John AIDS Foundation and The Trevor Project, a nonprofit venture established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning teenagers, and to aid in suicide prevention among that group. I feel so sorry for his haters. I mean how can one hate a man like this? [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] We want new phones, cars, jewelry for our birthdays. What does Somerhalder want for his birthday? Source: ISF[/caption] 3) He plays an exemplary role of the bad boy vampire. Playing Damon Salvatore, he’s the reason many people love The Vampire Diaries (TVD), especially the ladies. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="347"] Damon Salvator and Elena Gilbert from The Vampire Diaries. Source: CW[/caption] 4) His eyes take over you and then you’re completely spell bounded. Come on, even the TVD haters can’t deny that Ian and his eyes are irresistible. Ladies and gentleman, the owner of these eyes definitely deserves a prize! [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="579"] Damon doing his 'eye thing' Photo: Publicity[/caption] 5) I just love the way he influences young people to take part in environmental projects which most people find boring. In an interview he goes on to say,

“With the IS Foundation, we have the ability to speak to young people and empower people in a collaborative spirit. Activate them, educate them. And all of a sudden, now, you have this army of empowered activated young people who are compassionate, going out into the world and spreading all of this. And literally, adopting a more holistic framework about life.”

Finally, after a plethora of anticipation, ‘Kidz Dunya’ (KD) opened its doors to the entertainment starved kids of Karachi. Nobody really knew what was being done behind the sky blue panaflex on the food court floor of Dolmen Mall Clifton. The general perception was that a Sinbad style recreation facility is under construction and that the children will have yet another venue to go and enjoy coin rides. However KD changed the entire approach towards child entertainment and for the first time in Pakistan’s history, a dedicated facility for activity based entertainment and learning was introduced. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Children role playing as police officers at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] KD has been designed by a famous architect based in Karachi. The concept has been borrowed from Kidzania (Dubai) where the main focus is to indulge young minds into some healthy role playing activities. The entire facility is designed like a small town with a proper road, street lights, road-side cafes, hospital, police station, a fire station, an ice cream factory, a pizza parlour, a football field, a science lab and several other outlets that are yet to open. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="333"] Police station at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] After paying the entry charges, children are provided with a KD cheque which is used to withdraw KDR 500 from a customised Habib Bank Ltd (HBL) branch dealing in KD currency. The kids are then supposed to earn and spend this currency while they spend their time in this beautifully designed town. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Habib Bank Ltd customised branch at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] In order to earn cash they have to serve in the police, work as a fire fighter or help the ailing humanity as a doctor. For each of these assignments they get KDR 100 which they can spend in various other activities. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="375"] Children role playing as firefighters at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] There is a Pizza Hut specially designed for kids where these young hands can indulge in some pizza baking. The ice cream factory is another colourfully designed facility where the kids go through the entire process of ice cream making. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="354"] Children learning how to make ice-cream at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] There is a stuffed teddy bear making facility where the kids can actually build a bear and buy it against actual PKR. Other than that, there is an arts studio where kids can assume the role of artists and can indulge in painting, sketching and puppet making. The attendants at each of the facilities are extremely friendly, well trained and interactive. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Teddy Mountain at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] Kidz Dunya is all about learning and fun side by side. The experience teaches kids to manage their money and get some exposure to real world professions. Such healthy activities in a safe and secure location were badly needed. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] The only challenge that the management will face is how well they manage the flow of visitors and how frequently they change the nature of their activities in order to keep the kids engaged before they get bored of doing the same things over and over. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] The pricing, at the moment, caters to the children belonging to the upper middle and elite segment of society. To ensure an influx of customers, the management can, perhaps, dedicate certain days when parents can enter free of charge and kids can avail certain discounts. This will encourage parents belonging to the lower income group to visit KD and take their kids through this wonderful learning experience as well. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] KD Studio at Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] The management can also design special packages for schools. With a dearth of recreational spots in the city, schools can send their students to a safe and secure location without any worries and can provide their students with the benefit of an educational tour along with the fun aspect of a field trip. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] My six-year-old is suffering from a fractured arm but even with that neck sling tied around, she had a ball of a time. I found the staff to be courteous, patient and well trained in dealing with toddlers. They were being extra considerate towards my daughter’s injury and made her stay at KD as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Kidz Dunya. Photo: Arsalan Faruqi[/caption] As a parent I’m naturally concerned about the activities that my kid indulges into. These formative years require a lot of activity based learning and Kidz Dunya provided me with just the kind of recreational activity I would have wanted my child to be involved in and learn from. After this first-of-its-kind experience, my young one can’t wait to go back.

After creating much hype and expectation, Pakistan Idol is finally here and it is good to see reality television in Pakistan being done this professionally. Having been an avid follower of American Idol for more than six years, I have to say that the Pakistani team of Idol has done a commendable job; from the pre-launch publicity, the judges, the contestants, the fun and the drama, everything about the show makes it a must-watch! So let’s get down to business. Here is my first impression of the show: The contestants I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the crowd outside the venue. It was definite proof that there are people out there who believe in themselves and their dreams, while here I was thinking that we, as a nation, could not even dare to dream. Kudos to the producers for helping people reaffirm belief in themselves. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x15bf3n_pakistan-idol-hd-lahore-auditions-28-sep-2013_music[/embed] The first contestant, Sana Zulfiqar, was a testament to that. She might have brought her own twist to the songs she sang (sometimes too much of a twist, even) and Bushra Ansari might have been a tad hard on her, but the girl had a good voice. I was glad to see that she made it to the next round. As Mohib Mirza, the host, turned to the crowd to ask them for their response, it was clear that they too, were as excited as I was to see her make it the next round. On a side note, it was sweet of Ali Azmat to have made the effort of meeting her parents. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x180mj1_pakistan-idol-lahore_music[/embed] Rafay, the second contestant, well, he may have believed a little too much in himself. Although he did add spice to the show with his comedic drama, his vocals were simply ear-shattering. Ali Azmat was absolutely correct in passing the ‘Lady Gaga and Madonna’ remark because even in my opinion, he did seem to be a fan of the two. The guy was surely not ‘born this way’. However, Bushra Ansari was kinder when she said that he was just a ‘different’ kind of person. Rafay’s audition, as expected, did not go very well. Moving on to the third contestant, Tayyaba. Her audition was sweet but she did not make it to the next round. While it is always sad to see the sweet ones go, I am sure the judges know best. The auditions reel was shared with the all the contestants and audience members. Watching it made it quite obvious that the competition will be very tough. After all, this is the first season and standards need to be set right from the start. Next came the Lahori Pathan guy, Yasir Khan – or Pappu, as Ali Azmat referred to him – with an emotional story of how his family did not support his dreams. I am sure his selection made many a viewer happy, especially the girls. Although Haseeb Sultan Abdul's story was also heart-breaking, it was even more painful to see him go. Bushra Ansari, however, was correct in saying that a person’s financial situation cannot make up for a lack of talent. The ‘Salman Khan’ contestant, Shehzad Ali, added the much-needed humour aspect to the competition, especially after being subjected to such emotional auditions. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x18417m_funny-salman-khan-act-in-pakistan-idol_fun[/embed] Although the next girl, Nimra, had a decent voice, the judges were right in letting her go since they felt she could have definitely given a much better performance. The contestant who came after her, Imran, once again provided comic relief to the show. He had passion, but he was just not cut out for the competition. He got so involved in his performance, that when he opened his eyes, the judges had vanished – their way of saying ‘No’ – whilst making sure they kept the humour alive. Although the last contestant was hanging by a thread, it was good to see him make it, after which the show ended with a compilation of all the contestants who had made it through the first round. The judges Many people have criticised the judges in Pakistan Idol. I personally think that the show is not only about bringing in people who understand music; but it is also about people who connect to the viewers and contestants alike. Being a judge is not simply about critiquing a contestant’s performance, it is also about being able to lure the audience into believing what you have to say. It is about being human and being real. And all three judges were able to connect with contestants and viewers alike. This is something that makes such shows fun and keeps the audience hooked. Ali Azmat One person from the music industry, who I believe is admired by one and all. He is not only a great singer but also a spectacular performer. Of course, being the judge in a show as substantial as Pakistan Idol, is a difficult task but the first episode was a testament to the fact that Ali will be a judge who will not only make selections for the heck of it, but will also critique the contestants and their performance to make sure that it is a learning experience too. If the first episode was anything to go by, he will prove to be a great judge and mentor for the contestants. Bushra Ansari I have only seen Bushra Ansari’s acting and was surprised when my mother told me that she happens to be a brilliant singer as well. Since this is a reality television show, it was encouraging to know that there is someone on board who understands all sides of the entertainment industry. She was the strict judge on the show and while it might be too early to label her, I can see her being the Simon Cowell of Pakistan Idol. Hadiqa Kiani She is good at pop music, understands the industry and has played around with folk music, so she knows the music traditions of this country quite well. However, she did seem to struggle with rejecting contestants and was trying her best to let them down easy. Hence, one can very well expect her to be the Paula Abdul of the show. The host Mohib Mirza is apparently ‘the man’ in the entertainment industry. He is an amazing actor and already has a large fan following. He is fun, comes up with canny comments and his connection with the participants is worth applauding. He is the perfect choice for a host and with his amazing hosting skills, I can bet that he will gain even more followers. The verdict Although this is just the beginning, it has been a strong beginning. Pakistan Idol seems well on its way to raging success with its publicity, entertainment value and judges. Prepare to be addicted! [poll id="310"]

Most of us Pakistanis who have seen Hunger Games had the same question in their mind. What if we had a Katniss Everdeen of our own? Who would it be? Well, for those who don’t already know, we do. We have Malala Yousafzai and here is how I view their similarities: 1. People think they’re both ‘pretentious’ A lot of people think Malala is fake and pretentious. A lot of people thought Katniss was fake too, until the passion shone through. Like Katniss won the hearts of Panem, Malala won the hearts of people across the world. When Katniss showed up in Panem with an innocent personality and a shy, honest voice everyone thought it was just a gimmick to get attention. But over the course of the games, we noticed that Katniss was actually the girl who wanted to be good. She wasn’t faking it simply to get favours so that she could survive. She wasn’t doing it for entertainment or amusement, it was just who she was. [embed width="620"]http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x16j1r6_the-hunger-games-catching-fire-official-final-trailer_shortfilms[/embed] Similarly, people believe that Malala is fake, is a creation of the foreign media and that she is just faking her opinion for fame. But would she go through all that she did, without being dedicated to her cause? The traumatic experience that she went through and the passion she shows cannot be faked. 2. Malala is our Mockingjay Katniss fought for the rebels so that there could be peace in Panem. Malala continues to fight for the basic right of every woman - education. Mockingjay is a name that Katniss was given by the people of Panem because she was able to make the powerful Capitol bend the rules and by doing that, she showed us that we can change the world one step at a time. Malala is that symbol for the education of girls and women. Her journey symbolises the struggle for women’s right to education and she has fought battles that few of us can even dream of. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Katniss proved that we can change the world one step at a time in the Hunger Games. Photo: Reuters[/caption] 3. Both have been targeted for fighting for what they believed in Katniss believed in freedom and Malala believes in freedom for women’s right to education. Katniss was a target of the Capitol ever since she won the annual Hunger Games. They knew that she had started a wave of rebellion that could not be stopped unless something was done to her, so they tried their best to bring her down, to crush the hope she ignited. Hunger Games part two is a testament to that. They wanted her gone. Malala was also targeted so that her drive for the education of girls could be stopped. Her enemies wanted to put an end to what she was fighting for. She almost died only because she wanted what was best for her and other girls. 4. Both wrote books Katniss wrote a book on the lives of the people that had been in her life and Malala has written a memoir of her own life. While Katniss wrote the book only because it was something through which she could hold on to her family, the book became something bigger when she and her friends started documenting the lives of the people who had lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. Although I have not yet read Malala’s book, I do know that it serves as a journal of the life she has lived so far and features her thoughts on the revolution that she wants to bring in the country and its mindset. Her blog posts, which got her in trouble in the first place served as a critical documentation of atrocities in Swat. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Malala wrote a book on her life, experiences and dreams for women in Pakistan. Photo: Reuters[/caption] 5. Hardships and survival Katniss had to learn to survive the hardships she faced whilst being poor, and Malala had to learn to survive being the target of hate by the very nation she loves. District 12, where Katniss lived, was a poor district where people could barely survive and a lot of them starved for days. Katniss learned how to live a life of hardships and moulded herself accordingly. That is what kept her going through the revolution. Similarly, Malala has to suffer unending hatred from people who oppose her desire to curb the injustice that this society shows to girls by taking away their right of education. But this young girl is strong and has shown that nothing can stop her. 6. Girl on fire vs girl being fired at While Katniss was the girl on fire, Malala was literally fired at. Katniss was labelled the ‘girl on fire’ because her dress was a magical innovation that caught fire when she spun it around. Malala, well, we all know the tragedy that befell her. 7. Too young to know and understand President Snow believed that Katniss was too young to understand what she was doing. Similarly, Malala has been labelled to be too young to know what she is saying and doing. The President of the Capitol warned Katniss that if she rebelled in the games, it would only lead towards more unrest and trouble for the people who adored and idolised her. Yet, Katniss managed to start a revolution that turned things around and transformed life in Panem and its people. People say that Malala is too young to understand that no matter what she says and does, she cannot land on the stars. They say that it is hopeless for her to dream such big dreams. But she has taken the first step and managed to do so much on the journey that she has set out on. I personally believe that she is on the right track, no matter what the haters say. 8. Their emotions Katniss showed her love for Rue in the Hunger Games and others through time, and we saw how Malala missed her school mates and mourned at the loss of people she lost during the Taliban reign. Katniss lost many people over the course of the revolution and some of them were very close to her heart, some were even her very own family members. In the same way, many people from Malala’s area lost their lives. It is hard to stay strong with so much bloodshed going on around you. And it is definitely hard not to lose faith in yourself with so many people relying on you to fulfil their hopes and dreams. 9. Their own Hunger Games Katniss had to be a part of the Hunger Games. She didn’t have a choice. Malala’s Hunger Games was a life of suffering and difficulties where she had to fight for her cause of women’s right to education. Malala, like Katniss, lived in fear of being killed at any moment. The games are all about survival. You either kill or you are killed. It’s a challenge to take a single step ahead or back, knowing that there is someone out there waiting to kill you. Katniss knew how it felt to live a life where you could die without even knowing who killed you or how. Malala had a similar issue. She lived in an area where she knew she could be bombed, fired at or kidnapped. One can only imagine how distressing such an existence would be. Nobody should have to go through life like that, especially not a 16-year-old girl. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="569"] Malala was shot in the head for pursuing her cause of women's right to education. Photo: Reuters[/caption] 10. Both are a symbol of hope Hope that things will get better, that truth will prevail and that good will always win. They both have the support of people who believe in them and will always stand by them. Katniss was not alone. She had a community of revolutionaries by her side, who believed that she was ‘the girl’. She made it possible to change Panem. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Katniss had the support of her people against the Capitol. Photo: Reuters[/caption] Likewise, Malala is not alone. She has many people who support her and stand by her. She is a brave girl whom people believe in and she believes that she has the will to change things. When you combine that level of determination and support, you know that anything is possible, and that dreaming and hoping never goes in vain.