Latest news with #AhmedFozanPodcast
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Veteran Actor Tauseeq Haider reflects on Gen Z, masculinity and marriage
On Monday, Veteran broadcaster Tauseeq Haider sat down with Ahmed Fozan on the Ahmed Fozan Podcast for an open conversation that moved seamlessly between generational divides, gender expectations, and emotional literacy. From the start, Haider set the tone for a conversation that was neither defensive nor nostalgic. "I don't want to be that old person who has a problem with everything new," he said, making clear that his observations come from curiosity rather than criticism. Much of the discussion focused on Gen Z. Rather than dismiss the younger generation, Haider expressed admiration for their emotional range and digital literacy. "They make memes, they cry also. They do everything. They are not emotionless." He acknowledged the pressures young people face, including climate anxiety, economic insecurity, and social fragmentation. "The youth today feels very intensely," he said. "They are expressing themselves. They are speaking. They are not just silent." Haider emphasized that he chooses to learn from Gen Z rather than lecture them. "I have left people my age. I am with Gen Z." He praised platforms like TikTok, not just for entertainment but as sources of education. "From TikTok I am learning astronomy, I am learning history, I am learning about religion." It was a striking departure from common narratives around technology and youth culture, particularly from someone of his generation. The conversation then turned toward masculinity and emotional repression. Haider spoke of how men are raised to suppress vulnerability. "Men are taught that their emotions don't matter." He traced the emotional disconnect in many marriages to this early conditioning. "When their wife or partner wants emotional support, they are not able to give it. Because they don't know how." He did not frame this as a flaw in men's character but as a systemic failure. "Nobody taught them that emotions are valid." On the topic of marriage, Haider spoke plainly. "Marriage is not a war. It does not mean one person ruling over another." He advocated for listening, respect, and emotional presence. "You should understand the person. Marriage means understanding." He pushed back against dominant models of control or submission. "Do not impose. Do not dictate. Listen." Haider also pushed back against the idea that having children is necessary to secure support in old age. 'I think this is a strange question,' he said. 'First of all, you are giving birth to a child to support you in old age, so this is a very selfish approach. Second thing is, you are determining that the one who doesn't have children, their old age will deteriorate. So I can tell you about a lot of people whose old age deteriorated despite having grandchildren.' He emphasized that while children are a great source of joy, they are not the only source. 'To attribute children to old age or old age happiness is a very stupid thing. It is true that if you don't have children, then children are the biggest happiness in life, but it is not the only happiness. So to be happy, you need a lot of blessings from God, which you should be thankful for, and with that happiness you should spend your old age."
Express Tribune
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
I think in English, but I pay the price: Juggun Kazim on losing touch with Urdu
Actor and television host Juggun Kazim recently opened up about her 'English-medium' upbringing, her inability to read Urdu, and the humbling lessons she learnt while working with Pakistan Television (PTV). Appearing on an episode of the Ahmed Fozan Podcast, Kazim candidly discussed the challenges of not learning one's national language. 'I have this problem where I think in English,' she shared, admitting that it affects her ability to consume Urdu-language content. 'When I was young, everyone in my house only spoke English. My nanny was from Sri Lanka, so we conversed in English, and I studied at Lahore Grammar School, which was also an English-medium school.' Critiquing the obsession with English in private schools, Kazim recalled, 'When I was in school, we weren't allowed to speak any other language except during the Urdu period. I'm glad that schools no longer enforce this 'English-only' rule.' Reflecting on her upbringing, Kazim said she often questions her mother's choices: 'I ask my mother, 'What gora complex did you have?' It comes from such a regressive mindset that I'm living in my own country and yet can't read my mother tongue. Shame on me for that.' Kazim credited her time at PTV for improving her Urdu and grounding her as a professional. 'When I returned from Canada, I was a bit of a snob and couldn't host Independence Day or Defence Day shows because those required fluent Urdu commentary,' she admitted. She recalled her first boss at PTV warning her about the importance of the language: 'He told me, 'You look down upon Urdu and this channel, but in the end, it will be Urdu that helps you.' He was right. I was professionally groomed during that time, and working with PTV truly grounded me.' The morning show host stressed that being unable to speak or read one's national language is nothing to take pride in. 'All of this is really unfortunate. I've suffered a lot because of it. Even today, I read my scripts in Roman Urdu because I can't read the actual script. It's sad, and I'm not proud of it.' She added that this shortcoming has affected her children as well. 'My kids face the same issue. I try to make them read an Urdu storybook every night before bed, so I'm still trying in that way.' Kazim concluded with a message for parents across the country: 'I talk about this often because I want to urge parents not to send their children to English-only schools. It's wrong. Please make sure they receive an Urdu education as well.'
