Latest news with #AhmadAliButt
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
'I love vanity'
In an interview with Ahmad Ali Butt, Nabila Maqsood shared how her upbringing influenced her career as a renowned beautician. Nabila, who has primarily lived in Karachi, began by speaking about her mixed descent. "My mother is from an Afghan-Persian background, and those people are very vain. They may not have money to eat, but they must have Yardley soap. That's the kind of background it was," she said. Nabila grew up surrounded by up-do hair wigs, hooded hair dryers, and the smell of product mixed with the breeze of the air conditioner. She recalled that she frequented a Chinese beauty salon called Moon Palace in Karachi's Tariq Road during the 1970s. "As a kid, I remember going there on the weekends," she added. "I used to love the smell of hair spray. Even though the haircuts would be terrible, I'd still visit to take in the mixed aromas." Making tough calls The stylist was 11 years old when she got the chance to use a pair of scissors on someone else's hair. "The first haircut I did was for my mother's friend, though I had been cutting my own hair ever since I was a child," she shared, expressing surprise over the fact that the lady trusted a little girl with a task as delicate as a trim. That led to a flourishing pursuit of haircutting, which Nabila did for friends, relatives, neighbours, and more. But it wasn't until she had become a mother of two that she realised she had a knack for the craft. Only 21 years old then, she invested her personal property to move to London and receive professional training at Vidal Sassoon's salon. Setting up shop sometime later, she began her business with a 75 rupees haircut in 1986. But given social and cultural constraints, Nabila's journey wasn't easy. "I come from very humble and conservative backgrounds, so my family and in-laws both said that I had lost my mind," she said. She shared that, naturally, her loved ones opposed her decision to sell off her jewellery and leave her kids behind for this new endeavour. "They all thought that this was a temporary hobby that I would soon lose interest in. But that hasn't happened yet, and it's been 40 years." The stylist added that she went through phases of self-exploration before eventually finding her calling. "I knew that I wanted to do something. I dabbled in graphics, art, fashion and clothes, and then I realised hair is my métier because that's something I love. That's something I always had bad and had to fix it myself, and I thought I could do it better than others. So now there's no looking back." Meeting the Queen of Melody What began as a risky venture took Nabila and her styling business to great heights, earning her recognition from showbiz legends like Noor Jehan. "When she was in the hospital, I think Dilip Kumar was coming to Karachi. So at that time, she expressed her wish to her daughters that she wanted a haircut done from Nabila." The beautician added that her close friend Hina linked the two up. "I don't do home visits, but you know, I was totally in awe. Out of respect, I went to Aga Khan Hospital at that age. And we hit it off so well because she was so vain, and I love vanity. I love people who are aware of hair, makeup, and fashion." Nabila gushed over the actor-singer's passion for beauty, which helped make the visit an enjoyable experience for her. "She told me that she went to Paris, where someone bleached her hair before dyeing it again. Since she had very silky hair, that added volume to the texture. So they lightened it and brought it back to a darker shade." Moving with the times While Nabila can't speak for others in the game, she feels that she's still learning, and a part of that is keeping up with current business practices. "As we speak, I've hired someone who's going to groom me through AI because I feel that I should 100 per cent know what's happening in current times, whether it's developing products, trends, architecture, ingredients, or fabrics. I need to be up to date on what is happening." This curiosity comes from the fact that the beautician doesn't believe in sticking to her forte. "Someone once asked me, 'You've done everything now, so what is left to do?' But I feel that I've just gotten started because now is when I'm bottling myself. Literally. Now with my 40 years of experience, you don't need to come to me. I'll be the one to send you my packages." But Nabila's journey is proof that even the biggest success stories aren't free of past regrets. "Since my business was my priority, I think my kids didn't get the time and attention that they should've gotten then. When I realised this by the age of 35, they had already gone to boarding schools. Since then, I've been trying to mend what I lost in those years." However, she's been putting her heart and soul into that part of her life as well. "I can happily say that for the past 15 years or so, my relationship with my family has been really good," she shared. "It's not easy to balance everything, so there's always a price to pay."
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Aurat March was hijacked'
During a podcast with entrepreneur Kanwal Cheema, actor Ahmad Ali Butt sparked controversy with his comments on the #MeToo Movement and Aurat March. "Like the #MeToo Movement, Aurat March was also hijacked. Now, there's even proof that these movements are being heavily funded just to disrupt the family structure of Pakistan," he claimed. However, Butt failed to provide any evidence or data to back his statement. He further amplified the backlash by sharing a snippet of his views on feminism on his Instagram account. The post quickly drew sharp criticism from showbiz figures and social media users, who condemned his unsupported claims. Schooling feminism Actor and former model Frieha Altaf wrote, "Oh, hello! Please look up the definition of 'feminism'. Feminism stands for full social, economic, and political equality for women. Humanity suffers when one gender is discriminated against. For example, women not being allowed to work or getting paid less for the same job, not allowed to vote, and basically not allowed a choice." She added that, socially, women are considered lesser beings, who don't possess the ability to make their own decisions, and are viewed as baby-producing machines. "Ahmad, I'm so disappointed that you made the statement that #MeToo and Aurat March are foreign-funded. These opinions must be backed with facts," she wrote. "For years, women have endured sexual harassment at workplaces, being looked at in a lewd way, and being inappropriately touched. How could you, a man, know what that feels like?" she said. "The courage it took to speak up on this became a global voice. By saying that Aurat March is disrupting your family structure and that women are created to multiply, you are insinuating that that's their only purpose in life." Frieha believes that the same principle applies to men whose sole function in society is not just to be providers. "Let me tell you that feminism and Islam do not take away women's rights. They give them those rights. If a woman chooses to be a homemaker, she does it out of free will; she's not a prisoner. If her husband, father, or brother force her to be a homemaker, then she's definitely a prisoner. Now, can we stop being so obsessed with women's clothing? 'Mera Jism Meri Marzi' is about choice and free will. Let it be a choice." Where is the proof? Many in the comments section questioned Ahmad on potentially spreading misinformation. Joyland director Saim Sadiq wrote, "Where is the proof of this foreign funding? Please share it immediately or apologise for your irresponsible and factually incorrect lies." Activist Leena Ghani was quick to point out the podcaster's hypocrisy. "If Ahmad Ali Butt hates feminists so much, does he also hate his own grandmother, Madam Noor Jehan? She was a true feminist icon. She wore what she wanted because she understood the power of 'Mera Jism Meri Marzi'. She built a legendary career in a male-dominated industry. She paved the way for countless women in music and lived unapologetically on her own terms." Leena added, "Typical how men like him, who, let's be honest, no one would even know of if not for his grandmother, enjoy the benefits of powerful women in their own family but have a problem when other women demand the same freedom." Digital creator Saddia Mazhar called out both Ahmad and Kanwal on their views. "Feminism is about empowerment and equal rights. Kanwal, the very reason you are sitting here and speaking on multiple platforms is because of the strength and space that feminism has provided," she began. "Ahmad, instead of spreading baseless propaganda, present concrete proof if you claim that Aurat March is funded and aims to destroy Pakistan's family structure. Otherwise, it's best to remain silent," she asserted. "These individuals, sitting comfortably in their lavish studios, have no genuine concern for societal welfare. Their only goal is to stir controversy and spread misinformation." On hypocrisy Other users also weighed in on the debate, with many echoing the sentiment that there is no concrete proof to back Ahmad's claims. In addition, an Instagram user slammed the close-up shots of women overlaying the clip when the interviewer and his guest discussed the topic of "indecency". "What's with that voyeuristic montage of women's bodies at the start? Why are you acting like a t-shirt and jhumkas are some anomaly?" the user wrote. "Did amnesia hit you overnight or are you just performing purity now? You were not exactly observing purdah during your days in EP, and you definitely ran in circles full of 'modern' women throughout your career. Did a memory wipe come with this midlife rebrand?" Netizens even criticised Ahmad for building a mass narrative based on "dangerous" claims that are sure to influence the wrong crowd, urging him to be careful with what he perpetuates to his large following.
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Abrarul Haq believes industry is holding its musicians back
In an interview on YouTube podcast Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, Abrarul Haq shared why he believes that the Indian music scene is far more triumphant than the Pakistani one. "I feel that we have been going through a famine of creativity for a while now. We're only getting superhit songs from Bollywood, not from our end, and a big reason for that is that the industry is weak," he said. Drawing a comparison between himself and Atif Aslam, Haq added, "Atif went to India, where different people were working on his songs - someone on the lyrics, someone on composition. Only his voice was being used, so he steadily became popular. Why? Because he had the industry to back him. Can our singers in Pakistan say the same for themselves? No." Haq also used Rahat Fateh Ali Khan as an example of a Pakistani singer whose talent thrived in India because of the resources available. "The moment they got cut off from that industry, their numbers began declining," he said. "So my concern is, where are our composers? Where are our poets and music producers? How long is one singer going to put in all the effort?" The influence of social media The 56-year-old singer believes that the problem doesn't lie in reach, as social media has widely accessible platforms. "There is power in the content. But there is a lack of creativity that's holding it back." Recalling Noor Jehan's prime, he said, "Back in her time, she didn't compose all her tracks." Haq added that underground singers should be supported for all the effort that they are putting in on their own and that they deserve the industry's backing. Reflecting on how social media would have helped artists in his time, he added, "It could've been a big source of income for us. Currently, there are people out there who have stolen the rights to our works, which we are struggling to get back. If social media was available then, it would've helped out then." On the rap scene Haq lauded the upsurge of rap in the Pakistani music scene, especially in the younger generation. "Many people have the talent, ranging from performing rap to writing it. So many people have it that I honestly can't even name them all." However, there was a catch to his praises. "I still haven't seen someone who's multi-talented, though. You know, like someone who's also composing, arranging, and producing his own tracks. That, I haven't seen yet. But those emerging from Coke Studio do seem to have all those talents." Polite pitch to a rival Ever the creative musician, Haq also revealed that he wanted to make a song with Jawad Ahmed, someone who he has been famously at odds with. "I told him, 'Jawad, our animosity is a hit. We should make a song on it.'" After Ahmed asked what type of song Haq had in mind, the Punjabi Touch singer described a full music video, which would open with a little girl asking the two singers for autographs. However, this would escalate into a fight, resulting in the girl's book getting ripped, making the girl cry. "This is where the song would start," he said. Eventually, the video would end with the two on a plane together, holding their long-standing grudge, until the plane would be hijacked by terrorists. "We would fight them off and save the day, then ensure that the plane lands safely and end the music video by raising the country's flag together." Unfortunately, Ahmed rejected the prospect of working with Haq. "People often ask me what I think about him. But all I say is that I have no opinions. There's a lot of difference between me and that brother of mine. And I pray that Allah protects everyone's dignity."
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'It's important to know that your words carry weight'
In an interview with Ahmad Ali Butt on Saturday, actor Zoya Nasir addressed father and scriptwriter Nasir Adeeb's controversial remarks. In December last year, Nasir faced backlash from the internet and showbiz peers for claiming that he first encountered former film actor Reema Khan in Lahore's redlight district, Heeramandi, while scouting for talent. The heat led to an apology, though the matter was raised again in Zoya's interview. "It's a very difficult position to be in. If you look at our elders, they were given a platform that offered them containment back in the day. I don't think they realise that whatever they say now needs to be fact-checked, that it is on the internet forever," she said. "These days, the public has become very aware. They hang onto your words and observe your actions. So, you cannot just get away with saying anything." Zoya's insights come from experience, as she shared that she used to post Instagram Stories without being mindful of her online audience. On why media personalities mention potentially controversial topics on podcasts, she believes that it is influenced by the relaxed environment one is in - where they are sitting in a room with one mic, one light, and facing one person. "That makes you think you're in your drawing room, and you say things you'd typically say to a person one-on-one," she observed. "It's very important to heed your responsibilities and know that your words carry weight." Looking back at the vitriol her father faced, the Noor Jahan actor added that one can only move forward from here. "That was something that shouldn't have happened, but it did. We can't undo it." She further slipped in praise for the veteran actor, whom she has been around growing up. "Reema is a very gracious woman. I love her. I used to be with her all the time," she said, mentioning the filming for International Luteray as one instance. "I have always held her in high regard. She's been like family for us." The Kaffara actor also mentioned that one side of the debate argued that the clip's editing was what blew things out of proportion. "No one was being accused, but the person who uploaded the specific clip made the jump-cut look like it was a big deal," she said. "But again, I also believe that you shouldn't speak in a way that gives people the chance to even extract such clips. You must think about what you're trying to say. Do your due diligence, reflect on your impact in the industry, and speak with respect to that."
Express Tribune
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Where does Faiza Saleem draw the line with jokes?
During an interview on the podcast Excuse Me with Ahmad Ali Butt, comedian Faiza Saleem shed light on the boundaries she follows in her professional life in order to make her content enjoyable on a mass scale. "I try to be mindful online because I know elders and children are watching me. So, I am a little bit careful with the content I put out - as much as I can be, since the content needs to be funny as well," she said. "You know how these things tend to be filtered? About ten more of those filters are imposed on women," Faiza revealed. "Religion, politics, sex, innuendos, foul language, remove all these things from the equation. We need to stay away from many of the taboo topics. So, that's something you need to think about a lot when posting online because people of all kinds, all ages, are watching you." However, the experience seems to differ when it comes to a live performance, where Faiza is allowed some leeway. "For improv or stand-up, I'm not that careful since it's a closed environment. And there's also the fact that most people who come to my shows know what they are paying for and what they're going to be getting. "Even then, I have noticed that there are certain people who make faces and leave halfway through," she countered, adding that this prompted an announcement in the beginning of the shows that if someone wanted to scowl, they were welcomed to take their leave right away instead of disrupting the show later on. "They shouldn't just have all the fun then be offended in the end and call me out on social media." In 2016, Faiza founded The Khawatoons, Pakistan's first all-women comedy troupe, which has been going strong for over eight years now. "We make sure to announce that the show is catered to an audience of a certain age group. Children are not allowed on the shows, so of course parents shouldn't be bringing them along. Still, some do bring their kids even though we strictly tell them not to," Faiza told Ahmad. Despite the fact that she has the freedom to push her comic boundaries during improv, restrictions are ever-present, though Faiza deems them necessary in certain settings. "We also have to assess the kind of audiences that we're receiving. Corporate shows are very proper; we follow certain guidelines there, which is important. That's the benefit of improv comedy. You have the opportunity to gauge your audience's likes and dislikes and move forward accordingly," she said. "There is a flow and a structure to improv, how we'll go about the day and such, but nothing is scripted," she said. "There's training for that, rehearsals on how to improvise, but nothing is written beforehand. There's only a basic outline." Making her own rules Faiza, who worked on the sitcom Hum Sab Ajeeb Se Hain, confessed that she is sceptical about signing on TV shows frequently. "If you do one thing well, you will likely be type-casted in the future. You'll get similar offers, which isn't something that I prefer doing. I am very picky about television," she shared. "This is especially the case when you become used to social media. Then it becomes difficult for you to abide by someone else's directions and work for longer hours than you usually do," she added. "Whereas when you go viral on social media, it offers a kind of instant gratification that is difficult to find elsewhere."
