Interview of "The Rising" band...

http://www.thepost.com.pk/ent_red.aspx

Published on 23-Feb-2008

:: The Rising ::

By Ahmad Babar

The Rising is a relatively new band with loads of talent and potential. The band comprises Faizan Zaidi on vocals, Arafat Mazhar on compositions, keyboards and lyrics, Junaid Syed on guitars and Sohail Qureshi on bass. All band members are in their early 20s and bring their own unique flavor to the band. Each has his own taste in music and it all blends beautifully. While Faizan and Junaid are pursuing their studies, Arafat is running his own business and Sohail is working in a reputed multinational.

The band first appeared on the underground scene with their single titled Jhoot in August 2005. The song was well received and the band followed it up with their next track Mein Aaj Uroon in 2006 which was produced by Xulfi. The song is about everything and everyone and basically speaks of freedom. It is a soft melody and takes the listener into the depths of thought and desires.

The band’s first video, of Mein Aaj Uroon hit the TV channels in October 2007. The video was directed by Xulfi and presented a subtle theme was sort of a performance based video. Though I am personally of the opinion that the band could have done much more with the video especially given the quality of the song, nonetheless it provided them with a safe launch pad.

The band has interesting views on different issues currently prevalent in the music industry. Following is what they have to say:

On bands/artists going to India:
The band as a whole was of the belief that there is no harm in discovering new markets and that they themselves have a long way to go and a lot more to learn, before they will venture into markets such as India.

On the Underground Music scene:
“It’s not what it used to be.’

—- In fact that seems to be the general belief all around.

Artists/bands appearing in advertisements:
Given that the industry doesn’t pay very well, the band told us that it was sort of necessary for them to do ads in order to earn money, but it should be done without the corporations dictating terms.

Music Piracy:
“A great toll if used properly.”

Music Labels:
Things are improving but the main concentration is on the big names; more support needs to be given to young talent.

On bands breaking up:
According to the band, the main reasons for bands breaking up were weak roots and the dynamics of the band, coupled with problems in coping with fame.

On role of female models in videos:
The boys remarked, “In its current form it’s silly. It takes away the whole point of the video.”

Talking about their future plans, the band is working hard on their album which is being self-produced and self-financed by the band members at their own studio. Currently the band is experimenting with different things in order to give the best possible feel to the video.

There is no doubt that the band has a very promising future and will InshAllah will be making headway in the music industry.

Interview with President of Miss Pakistan World Organization

Published in The Post - Eyecandy [In Focus section] - 27-01-2008

http://www.thepost.com.pk/icon_eye.aspx

:: Controversial Beauty Pageants ::

On the grapevine there was a lot of controversy of Miss Pakistan World pageants held abroad without any official or local sanction. We reproduce excerpts from an interview Ahmad Babar, a freelance journalist had with Ms Sonia, President Miss Pakistan World Organisation. But the main question is that is Pakistan ready for such a thing, that I leave you to decide

Could you tell us a little about the organisation and how it started?

In 2002, I came up with this idea for starting the first Miss Canada Pakistan pageant. I was in University and always getting involved in fashion shows and cultural activities. These activities were laying the foundation as well giving encouragement to the Miss Canada Pakistan idea. The campaign for the pageant started in Canada in the year 2002 —- and we had the first Miss Canada Pakistan in Ottawa crowned in on 1st February 2003. After that this event moved to Toronto, where the population of Pakistanis was huge. In the year 2004, Batool Cheema was the reigning Miss Canada Pakistan, In 2005, Naomi Zaman was the second delegate to win two international titles in international pageants and then in 2006 Sehr Mahmood was crowned Miss Pakistan World 2006. She went on to represent Pakistan in the Miss Earth pageant and Queen of the World and won an international title called Queen of Elegance. In 2005 the concept of Miss Canada Pakistan pageant changed allowing more Pakistani girls coming from different parts of the world to compete as well. Thus the name of the pageant changed from Miss Canada Pakistan to Miss Pakistan World. Today the winner of the pageant is Mahleej Sarkari for the Miss Pakistan World 2007 pageant. Our runner ups Nida Khan and Bushra Jamil, have both brought a lot of attention to the pageant world for Pakistan. The support for the pageant grew internationally and the word spread to different countries and more contestants started calling from USA and European countries. So the pageant was called Miss Pakistan World. The media presence for the Miss Pakistan World pageant grew as well especially in India and USA.

What is the status of the organization, i.e. are you officially allowed to participate in International Pageants by the Pakistan Government?

The government has no time to indulge in girls in evening gowns representing their beauty on stage. So no, the government has never disturbed us.

What kind of media coverage has the competition received in past?

We get media from India, Pakistan, Middle East, USA, UK and Canada and the rest of the world.

Why not participate in Miss World and Miss Universe Competitions? Also, why didn’t Miss Pakistan participate in the recently held Miss Earth 2007, given that previous Miss Pakistan in 2005 and 2006 participated in the same?

(Regarding participation in) Miss World and Miss Universe, we cannot since we are not holding it on the land of Pakistan; Miss Earth, due to financial reasons.

Why not hold the pageant in Pakistan? I am sure there will be a lot more talent available here!

Not interested in holding the pageant in Pakistan, because of the overwhelmingly orthodox view in society.

What checks are placed to ensure the nationality of these girls as rumours have been going around that a majority of these girls are Indian?

Dual nationalities come with two passports, and we check if each contestant has a Pakistani passport as well. Some Pakistanis can’t believe that we are actually going in a direction, which was never there for Pakistani women, so to balance their disbelief they spread rumors. How long can they do that? They will have to come to terms with their Muslim Pakistani women participating in beauty pageants and accept them one day or the other.

Do participants usually show any reservations about the Bikini round? Are there any objections from their parents? And how does the organization deal with it?

No, as girls are given the information, when they apply and are given a choice if they want to take part or not. And if they want to take part then the Bikini Round is there. A rule is a rule and they will have to abide by it, if they want to be a part of the pageant.

While watching the video of the 2007 pageant’s bikini shoot, some of the poses were a little too obscene in nature. We would like you to elaborate on that.

Again, that’s in your eyes, nothing was obscene. It is entertainment and unfortunately, when Jennifer Lopez comes in a bikini or a Britney Spears does the same, the same people look at it from a different point of view and make them into great people, but just because we are Pakistanis we have to get the word obscene.

Tell us a little about the past winners. Who they were and what kind of response have they had being Miss Pakistan. Are past winners involved with the organization?

Mahleej Sarkari, was crowned Miss Pakistan World 2007 on 23rd June in Toronto Canada. This demure beauty excelled in talent, performance and over all presence on stage and won over the hearts of the judges. At the age of 24 Mahleej, is planning to attend international pageants and represent Pakistan on an international level. She has made several appearances at many events in the US. Mahleej is currently preparing for the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant 2008 to be held next year in China.

Bushra Jamil – Miss Pakistan Tourism 2007/World Miss University Pakistan 2007

Bushra Jamil later on represented Pakistan in the 20th World Miss University pageant that was held in Seoul, Korea. At the age of 22, Bushra was given the Certificate of becoming a peace ambassador of Pakistan from the Korean government.

Nida Khan – Queen of the world Pakistan 2007/Miss Internet World Pakistan 2007/ Winner of Miss Internet World Asia Runner up 2

Nida Khan, also went on to become the face of Asia on the Miss Internet World pageant. She achieved the second runner up position for Asia. During her law degree, Nida is an aspiring model and will be representing Pakistan in more pageants in the coming month. Nida was also Miss Perfect 10 for the Miss Pakistan World 2007 pageant.

Sehr Mahmood – Miss Pakistan Earth 2006 in Philippines/Queen of the World Pakistan 2006 in Germany (won Queen of Elegance title)/Miss Pakistan World 2006

Sehr Mahmood was born on 10th August in Karachi, Pakistan. She completed her O’ and A levels there and later moved to Boston, USA. Moving from Pakistan to the West was a huge change as the culture and lifestyle was very different but she integrated with the lifestyle of the West. She completed her undergraduate degree - a specialized honors in Economics. She is currently writing GMATS as she will apply for Masters Program next year.

Naomi Zaman – Miss Pakistan Earth 2005/Miss Tourism Pakistan 2005

Born on 8th of January, Naomi Zaman spent her growing years in Toronto, Ontario. Her family, originally from Lahore, Pakistan, instilled Pakistani values in her and since childhood she was very Pakistani at heart. At the age of 19, Naomi took part in the Miss Canada Pakistan Pageant. This was just the beginning of it all.......

Naomi is the second Pakistani beauty queen who successfully competed in international pageants like Miss Earth & Miss Tourism representing her home country, Pakistan. Her passions in life are singing and arts, and after wining the title of Miss Talent at the Miss Canada Pakistan 2005 pageant, she went on to participate in Miss Tourism Queen International held in China and Miss Earth in Manila, Philippines. There Naomi achieved two titles: Miss Disco Girl of the Year and Miss Best Talent. This was a major accomplishment for Naomi considering that this was the first time a Miss Pakistan was taking part in an international pageant.

What is the next step for the organisation? What are the upcoming International Pageants that you are targeting?

Miss Pakistan holds a promising future for these girls to be a part of the prestigious international pageant circle. These delegates will get an opportunity to be representing Pakistan in different countries. Besides all that the current winners have been part of the entertainment industry as well. We would like the proper and well educated side of the Lollywood industry to join hands with us but again it all depends on what will work best. —- There is no doubt that Pakistani women are beautiful, now we need to show that beauty lies in Pakistan, and that we can too become an international face for all cultures to relate to. This is not just a pageant, it is an empowerment for those women who were kept in the dark, and were told that if they ever did something like that, then it would be a black spot on their reputation. We will definitely not be a slave to the old fashioned thoughts of male chauvinism in Pakistan. I think Musharraf and his ideas are great. We believe in him, and the main reason I started believing in his change for Pakistan was because he brought back the entertainment industry by making media a free body. We are his die hard followers and we are proud of the fact that Pakistan is now geared towards a developed nation in the future. The only thing politically I want is for Pakistan to become a secular country.

The Coming

22-01-2008
The Coming (by Ahmad Babar):
I don't want to run away
Neither do I want to stay
My life is just like this
There is nothing left to miss
How I long for that someone
Let's see if now I can move on
I want to fly with the clouds
From far up there to watch this crowd
To see them in a different way
To try and listen to what each one has to say
To find someone familiar
To find another believer
One who believes like I do
The one who also sees through and through
Together this world we will try to change
To spread a little more of love and less of rage
Together we will bring to them light
Just to lighten up their dark nights
We will show them how to care
And how to spread love everywhere
We won't fail even if we don't succeed
We will show them how to themselves lead
When they do that there will be change for sure
We won't rest and will continue to give more and more
To together do something a little extraordinary
To die knowing that I at least tried

Chata Hoon

Started on 28/09/2007, Finished on 21-01-08
Chata Hoon (by Ahmad Babar):
Jis ko paa kar bhi main nay hai kho dia
Jaanay kiyoon lagta hai kay woh kabhi bhi mera na tha
Ab Tu Hi Bata Oh meray Khuda
Ab karoon tau karoon mein kya?
Baharoon say bhi lara tha main kabhi
Aaj bondoon say bhi haar jata hoon
Jaanay kya ho gaya hai mujh ko
Ab nahin raha hota tha main jo
Ab bheerh-o-hajoom main bhi tanha sa reh jaata hoon
Din kay ujalay main bhi andheroon main bhatakta hoon
Is khulay askh talay hai mera makaan
Pholoon say bhara ab main ik ghar chata hoon
Phir aaye kabhi roshni meri zindagi main bhi
Sooraj ki roshni main ab main nahana chata hoon
Koi chahay humain bhi apna samjh kay
Uss chahnay walay ko main chahna chata hoon
Bus aye zindagi bauhat ho gaya
Kuch pal kay liye main bhi jeena chata hoon

Videos from rockball '07

Another great show hosted by jbnjaws...

Kaid Hoon Ya Mein Aaazad Hoon?

Kaid Hoon Ya Mein Aazaad Hoon? is being taken off for some time....

My Beloved Pakistan

07-Dec-2007
My Beloved Pakistan (by Ahmad Babar):
Over the course of the past few days I have been criticized for not doing anything against the current situation prevailing in my country and not being a part of any demonstrations. Before I begin to state my side of the story, I want to reassure everyone that I love my country if not more than, then at least as much as anyone reading this does. I pray for it's future and prosperity every single day, I am willing to sacrifice all that I have in order to defend it but is going to protests where the authorities don't even allow us to calmly get our point across and very conveniently arrest us instead the way to go about it? Is it really prudent to show one-day heroics? I think not.

What good I or for that matter anyone else be if we are arrested or become a part of the "privileged" *Missing Persons List*? I am not a political leader, nor am I the child of one. I don't belong to a big business family, no one will come to save me, no one will be there to defend my loved ones. In a mere second, my voice will be snubbed and probably a group or two will be made on facebook/orkut in my memory. Someone will remember me for the poems I write, some for being a friend but majority will remember me as the fool who played too smart. There is a reason why our religion, Islam, has told us not to start movements against those that rule us. Yes, we should indeed voice our concerns but should not in any manner whatsoever either create unrest or give them a chance to justify their atrocities. When the Kufar of Makkah went overboard, the Holy Prophet [PBUH] and his people were told to migrate to a different land and from there try and explain to the world their purpose. Similar happened when Pakistan got independence 60 years ago. The Muslims of the sub-continent saw that protests don't you anywhere. You need leaders.

I know it's a habbit of ours to criticize our leaders and establishments and to call them corrupt but where do these people come from? Do they fall from the sky or rise from the oceans? Neither, they come from amongst us. We create them, WE ARE THEM. The military, yes it does great service for our country but was it really necessary to creat such a hype about them? To give them an out-of-this world status so much so that we unconsciouslly gave them a certificate to do anything they want to do!

It hurts to admit the fact that we are a society which doesn't know where it is headed. Everyone is waiting for the other to do something and for most, the wait never ends. And the poor souls that do try to bring about a change, don't really know what they want. For so many years now we have been hearing about how Mr. Musharraf should go and how bad he has been, I am not saying here that he hasn't been, but do we really know what we will do when he goes? We hear "Go Musharraf Go" but not about what's going to happen after him. And is he really any different from any of us? He is selfish, power-thursty, money-hungry. Now what does that definition remind us of? US!! Every single one of us. It's really sad to see that as long as we are doing something it's fine but the moment someone else does it, we blame them. We tell them just how wrong they are and we want them done away with. How can we, if we can, justify this?

Take a look at the political leaders of the past, what did they do with their chances? Some people say that they were never given their full qouta of tenure but let's suppose that the 2 or 3 years that they did have, what achivements did they make? Hardly any. Now, no one is completely good and no one is completely bad. Every one does both good and bad things. Take a look at our judges, were they always right througout their careers?? and the lawyers, have they all always been good?

Coming back to protests and demonstrations, what good is it doing for anyone of us? Children missing out on school, ill deprived of medical care, trades losing business, etc. And at the end of the day, the authorities come in and arrest those protesting, their day's job done!

We are today living in a world which is no longer private, you can't always trust those around you, you never know who might go and tell on you and what they tell is a whole different story. Leave alone e-mails, now every text-message that you send out is being monitored. The Army Act is in place, you will never know what hit you if you decide to raise your voice. Look at what happened to the Media, which I do believe had also gone a little too overboard - but then again don't we all? :-). Those like me, who aren't afraid for themselves are held back by the thought of their families and loved ones!

So, what should we do? where should we head, the simple answer is education and awareness! If we let people know what their rights are and not only just that, we show them the way to properly get them, people will rise. But when the masses see those talking about their rights not getting any themselves, their hopes will only dampen further and they will stop caring, as most already have, about who is in power. All they will worry about is the price of potatoes, pulses, rice and wheat.

In the end, the most important thing to do is to change ourselves, to improve. As someone once said, the way to change the world is to do it One Act of Random Kindness at a time. Before going and changing the face of the country/world, first help change what's around you and better things will follow themselves. Give Respect to Earn Respect!

And remember, the pen is mightier than the sword. Keep safe and keep praying. Pray for your Country, Pray for you People! And for crying out loud, start loving and stop hating! and before you criticize others, criticize yourself and rectify so that when you tell someone else they are wrong, they can't say , "Right back at you"!

Fi-Imaan-Allah.

The Year That Was....

30-11-2007

The year that was… (by Ahmad Babar):

WOW. It’s been one heck of a year. By the way, unlike the past two years, I have decided not to write a poem/song about the past year and I have changed the date of writing this from my birthday on the 21^st of this month to today, an event that marks the first anniversary of an interesting day. Just 12 months ago all was going well, virtually perfect till that one fatal moment, stroke of luck if you may call it when came along that unfortunate electric shock and things took a different turn. All that I had been working for started to wither away, or did it? It’s something I am not sure of right now but like all things, I hope it’s turns out to be for the best in the future.

2 months of bed rest, distorted vision, damaged nerves and God Knows what else, I started to wonder if I could really come back from all of this. ALHAMDULILLAH I started to. Restarted working out, hockey and studies in February/March and things started to look great again. I managed to fully let go of something for good, an event that turned to be both pleasing and strangely sad. Started going to competitions and being myself again. The body was coming in shape again, the vision was improving as well but like they say, at times things are just too good to be true. Another hurdle came in my life and to add to it, along came the stupid back-injury. I still wonder how could I have been so careless that day.

Another two and half months of bed-rest came my way, the CGPA fell and the body started to balloon up. It was an enormous task to see all that I had worked for going away and not being able to do much about it other than just lying flat on either my bed or the sofa. Things started to go gloomier and gloomier, I was faced with a Poet’s Bloc for months, broke it shortly and then was faced with it again. It was as if God was trying to tell me something that I wasn’t able to understand fully at that time. Missed opportunities went by and all I could conjure up out of it all was gratitude and humbleness. The once flying . aB . was going through a bad phase.

Then came August and I started concentrating on my job opportunities and ALHAMDULILLAH, MashAllah, I am sitting here in a good enough post and on my way to a better one in around a week’s time InshAllah. Can’t hide this smile that is appearing on my face right now as I realize the Greater Plan.

I know most of what I have written above doesn’t really make sense but in a way it all does. Throughout the past year, I made many a friends, and thankfully lost a few as well. How true is it seeming right now that only when you are down do you actually realize who your true friends are. People that I truly loved and thought would always stand by my side left without any apparent feeling of guilt and those that I couldn’t even imagine to ever talk to, turned out to be some of my closest friends, some even did TV shows with me.

Any way, as I take a final look back, it’s been one of the best years of my life MashAllah. I entered the media field, did TV shows, started writing for newspapers, performed recitals in front of hundreds of people on one of the biggest events Lahore has seen in the past year, been a part of the organization team of the other, made quite a few discoveries and found some amazing friends. And most importantly for me, I came out a better, much stronger man. Let’s see what the future holds.

Thank you all. Love you all for the support and love.

Adios.

My interview with TPS

http://www.pakspectator.com/
http://www.pakspectator.com/interview-with-blogger-ahmad-babar/

Interview with Blogger Ahmad Babar

Could you tell us what made you decide to blog?
It just happened. I used to post my works on orkut and then someone suggested that I should maintain a blog, so I did.

What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
Probably its simplicity. I just publish what I feel. Plus, I am not much of a blog reader so can’t really say how different it is from others’ blogs.

If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success, what would it be?
Success?

That’s seriously flattering. Still, if I have to pick one thing, it would be poetry.

What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?

They both were probably the same moment when I finally realized that it wasn’t worth running after “something”.

If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it'spaid for - what would your top 3 choices be?

1. Northern Areas of Pakistan: Memories of my visits there in early childhood are still fresh in my mind, especially of the trip to Shangarilla.
2. Switzerland: Love that place and it’s chocolates.
3. Manchester: Would love to see Manchester United beat Arsenal 7-0 at Old Trafford.

What is your favorite book and why?
Really hard to answer this one.

What's the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their eyes. For me, the eyes always give the person away.

Do you think Pakistani politicians could benefit from the social networks and things like twitter?
Being a slave of such networks myself, I would have to say, Yes, Pakistani politicians can certainly benefit from such social networks as it would give them an insight to what the youth want and feel.

How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Honestly, for me writing and blogging has nothing to do with finances. Yes, if doing what you love gets you a few bucks through sales and sponsorships, well and good but it shouldn’t be done for finances to begin with.

Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don't go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?
As I usually don’t get to visit blogs, can’t say much but blogging is meant to be about the blogger and his/her feelings as far as I am concerned.

Is it true that who has a successful blog has an awful lot of time on their hands?
I beg to differ. A successful blog is one that is read by a lot of people and you don’t have to be sitting in front of your PC all day long for that to happen. All you need to do is just post quality stuff.

What are your thoughts on corporate blogs and what do you think the biggest advantages and disadvantages are?
Can’t really say much.

Does it pain you or proud you that we have made a history by electing a uniform general as our president?
“Electing”?? That’s a good one. More like planted or thrust upon. And yes, it indeed pains me that our so-called representatives have probably made the biggest blunder of Pakistan’s history. And remember, making history isn’t always a good thing to do.

Do you think this whole emphasis on blogs and whatever online is a significant indicator to show that the web, the social web, is becoming a very important social force?
I would say that it’s not becoming but already is a strong social force. I have seen online relationships develop into real prosperous relationships. Also, I have seen the web play an important role in other aspects of life.

What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
It is still in it’s early days and will probably take a little while to go somewhere.

Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakisan?
No one in particular.

Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
No.

What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
Prosperous.

In political respect, can we say blogging a 'democracy of message'?
Indeed we can.

Can Pakistani blogosphere play any notable role in the forthcoming elections, if they happen at all?
I certainly pray that they do. As for the question, yes, it really can especially targeting the voting population of age groups 18 to 35.

You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
Positively. Can’t really say more than that.

What are your future plans?
InshAllah to follow up on a few goals I have set for myself.

Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Pray for your country. Pray for your people.

Atif Aslam - Exclusive Videos - Sound Check

Exclusive Atif Aslam Sound Check Video 3.

Performing the title track of his new album, "Meri Kahani" and a cover of Junnon's song, "Heeray" - Tremendous Night, 3rd November, 2007 at Alhamra Open Air, Lahore

This video has been recorded by and is property of Ahmad Babar
http://ahmadbabar.blogspot.com