Lux Style Awards 2009

LUX is one brand that has strived to become the natural association with glamour, style and beauty throughout its history. Committed to fashion, LUX hosted the first ever LUX Style Awards in 2002 which ended up being one of Pakistan's biggest milestones; the initiation of what has become a yearly event. Since then, the show has been celebrating style in Pakistan and pays tribute to the fashion, film, television and entertainment industry, becoming Pakistan's 'Oscars'.

Voting for the 8th Lux Style Awards, the most prestigious and anxiously awaited Awards ceremony in Pakistan’s entertainment and fashion industry will begin soon. Voting for 6 television categories, 3 music categories and 3 Film categories will be open to all Pakistanis. In case of Entertainment Awards, public voting is open for Best TV Play (Satellite and Terrestrial), Best TV Actor (Satellite and Terrestrial) and Best TV Actress (Satellite and Terrestrial). In the Music segment viewers and customers are asked to vote for Best Music Album, Best Music Video and Song of the Year. In case of Film categories, participants are asked to vote for the Best Film, Best Film Actor and Best Film Actress.

Voting for the categories will begin in April and continue through May till June. Voters can vote digitally, via SMS on 5892 from their cell phones or by logging onto the LSA website at luxstyleawards.com.pk

Source: luxStyleAwards

"Pop Singer" Shahzad Roy Got Married

Finally pop singer and humanitarian Shahzad Roy got married with VJ Salma (Mtv Pakistan).

Shehzad Roy's first album debuted in 1995, with a revolutionary approach to fusing his lyrics with music of different genres, he has been a successful and popular singer in Pakistan. He says that, “the authenticity of the message in a song produces meaningful music.”

With five hit albums under his belt, including the 2008 ‘Qismat App Kay Haath Main Hai,’ (Fate Lies in One’s Own Hands) he is also the President and founder of Zindagi Trust,a non-for-profit charitable organization, that seeks to educate the underprivileged children of Pakistan. In June 2004, Roy was honored as one of the youngest ever recipient of the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz, which is one of the highest Civil Honors awarded in Pakistan for excellence in serving humanity. For his organization’s earthquake rehabilitation in Kashmir, he was awarded with the Sitara-e-Eisaar. He was also selected to be a torch bearer for the 2008 Olympic Torch relay as the pride of Pakistan.

Shafqat Amanat Ali performs in Nepal

Shafqat's fans aren't just limited to Pakistan and Bollywood devotees in India and around the world. The singer recently performed for the second time in the Nepal capital, Kathmandu, to an adoring audience.

According to myrepublica.com, the Pakistani Embassy there invited Shafqat to Nepal, and the concert was definitely a blast!

Shafqat played up the interaction with his fans to the hit, when someone from the audience tried to step out; he would cleverly notice it and immediately go "Abhi na jao chhodke, li dil abhi bhara nahi." Shafqat also performed alongwith Nepali singer Swaroop Raj Acharya. The duo performed two popular Nepali songs 'Asare mahinama' and 'Musu musu.'

In an interview with the website, Shafqat said that he was trying to improve his diction in Nepali, it was more evident during the concert when he sang the two Nepali numbers

And what Shafqat songs were hits in Nepal? 'Deewani' and 'Lal Meri Pat' resounded with the audience. And Shafqat - who found ways to interact as much with the crowd as he could - must've been surprised himself when two Nepali girls followed him to the stage, took the microphone from him and started singing and dancing wildly.

And apparently several fans of Shafqat tried their hand at singing along with him. According to reports, one boy joined the singer on stage to sing 'More Saiyan' and several others also had a turn at the mic.

And he closed the concert with 'Mitwa' - the hit song from the SRK-starrer Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. It's definitely great to see that singers are looking for alternative audiences other than India, since musical relations between the two countries haven't really recovered after 26/11. Kudos to Shafqat for putting Pakistani music into the Nepali stratosphere!

Report by "TheNews"

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan records another Song for an Upcoming Bollywood Movie

Due to the ongoing tensions, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was restricted to get a visa to go to Indian for recording a song for the upcoming film Love Aaj Kul, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone.But, they don’t say it for nothing, that where there is a will there is a way and so Rahat Fateh Ali Khan came up with a way to get the job done. He recorded the song in a Pakistani Studio and later sent the recosing over to the film’s composer Pritam Chakraborty through email - Technology at best use.

Pritam had it ascertained that the song would be sung by Rahat, as his brilliant and melodious voice is not one to be compromised for.

One of Rahat’s childhood friend from Faisalabad reveals that this in fact is the third time Rahat has recorded a song in this fashion.

The song was recorded in two hours. The song is to be pictured on Saif Ali khan and Deepika Padukone and the lyrics of the song are ‘Dil da vasta’.

Although. It is only after release one can judge how the song turned out. Yet, the best part in this adventure was that despite the ongoing tension, Pakistani singers are not falling back from their commitments.

He sings many songs for Bollywood and all are very popular like

Bol Na Halke Halke (Rahat Fateh Ali Khan ,Mahalaxmi Iyer)

NAINA (RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN)

Jag Soona Soona Lage - Rahat Fateh ,Richa Sharma -Om Shanti Om

Main Jahan Rahoon - Namaste London 2007 - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan & Krishna

Mann Ki Lagan - Paap 2003 - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Nazar Se Nazar Tum Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

O Re Piya - Aaja Nachle 2007 - Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

Tere Bina- Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

And many more....

Story Covered by Fashion Central

The Blushing Bride

This season is all about a sophisticated look; it's about creating a soft glow that compliments the bridal mood… the bridal attire. Make-up wizard Mona J. has worked up a few options for the brides-to-be that speak of understated glamour.
She believes that gorgeousness does not have to be obvious; subtlety can be more alluring. The cardinal makeup rule for this season is ‘less is more’. So think twice before you pile on that make-up on your face.Dressed up in your bridal fineries, beautified with our expert’s magical touch complimenting the outfit and jewellery you adorn, it’s time to wear your best smile. You’re all set to be the blushing bride.



Style and Makeup Mona J.
Model: Amina Sheikh
Story Covered by "Magtheweekly"

Documentary 'Benazir and Democracy’ awarded at Chicago film festival

The documentary titled ‘Benazir and Democracy’ won the Certificate of Merit in the Category of Documentary on History and Biography at the Chicago Film Festival Hugo Television Awards.
Pakistan’s private TV channel, produced the documentary, which was aired on December 27, 2009, private TV channel won the award for its contribution in over viewing the future of democracy in Pakistan at the 2009 Hugo Television Award ceremony in Chicago, USA as well.
The award was received by Farah Jamal-Uddin, producer of the documentary. Ms. Jamal-Uddin has been working with private TV for more than a year now.
Farah Jamal-Uddin is also the person behind producing the documentary, which won the hearts of all the judges.
Speaking at the occasion Ms. Farah shared "I am extremely honored to be recognized for playing a part in influencing the ever-advancing field of television and making Pakistan proud of her greatest leader, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto".
She further said that "the content and object of this documentary was to overview the future of democracy, after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto who strived for the institution of democracy her whole life and came to a tragic ending".
The documentary was shown on Benazir Bhutto's first death anniversary, December 27, 2009 on private as part of its tribute to a strong personality in the Pakistan political scenario and who has shaped the future of the democratic agenda for Pakistan.
The award show was a celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Hugo Television Awards.
These awards are held on an annual basis to honor the important events, beloved personalities, and inspiring ideas that have shaped the unforgettable moments of television.

Every year the most innovative members of the television industry submit their work to the Hugo Television Awards to be recognized as a leader in the field.

This year the 2009 Hugo Television Awards was launched with the theme of raising the standard of quality in all aspects of the medium.

Reported by Aaj.tv

Mehreen Syed signed Bollywood Movie

Mehreen Syed, a fashion model, who was recently crowned 'International Model of the Year' at a competition held here, has been reportedly signed up by filmmaker Shashi Ranjan to star in an Indian flick.

Mehreen, who recently returned from India, said that she had met the director-producer and agreed to work on a couple of projects with him, which include a movie and a song video.

"I have agreed to work on a couple of projects with him. These include a movie and a song video," she was quoted as saying.

Mehreen, won the 'International Model of the Year Award' last month in a competition contested by models from India, Germany, Greece, Cyprus, Hungry, Philippines, Romania, Italy, Australia, Belgium, South Africa, Kenya and Bulgaria, reports the Daily Times.

"It is a great honour to be crowned. I think it was my confident catwalk that swayed the judges. I am the first Pakistani model to have appeared on the title of popular Middle East fashion magazine Alamra. I have also walked the ramp in London, Dubai and Muscat," she added.........

2nd International conference on Textile and Clothing (ICTC 2009)

Well people, this time we have something new, but as always according to the current fashion and style.

Second International conference on Textile and Clothing (ICTC) is going to be held in Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore Pakistan; starting from 7th to 8th May, 2009.

Although this conference has nothing to do directly with the fashion models and designers, but with the Fashion researchers. This would be the platform for the fashion & style developers to learn about the new styles. These academic and industrial researchers would definitely have advantages in creating and introducing more & unique fashion styles.

The main focus of the conference will be towards the manufacturing and trade areas of technical textiles to elaborate major changes and their impact industry. The Technical Program Committee is also establishing papers in the following general areas.

Medical Textiles, Military Textiles, Automotive/ Transportation Textiles, Textiles in Sports, Industrial Textiles, Geo Textiles, Nanotechnology based Textiles, Technical Textiles in Pakistan, Usages of Intelligent Fibers, Technical Textile in Clothing and Future of Technical Textile.

Not only the Pakistani Scholars but the Foreign researchers will participate in this conference.
These fashion developers will get the maximum benefit from it and will improve the fashion and textile standards.

Source: FashionCentral

ZQ makes Fashionable Comeback!

ZQ makes fashionable comeback with spring/summer at The designers and she looks better than ever! Here she models a combination of outfits from Maysoon, HYS, Karma, ART, unbeatable and sublime, The Designers is the fastest growing shop till u drop destination for women, looking for the latest in the fashion line. Located in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, the place is a huge success for all fashion lovers. What more could one ask for with al the flamboyant designer wear are available under one roof. Who could have shown off the dresses in a better way the lovely ZQ herself, who is considered in the list of those few models to have been able to adapt themselves to oth Eastern and Western fashion wear.

Reema's BIG Disappoinment!

Lollywood’s favorite Reema Khan quite recently had sent some proposals to the federal ministry of culture for the purpose of reviving the industry. According to her, the proposals were finalized and forwarded with an unanimous agreement and proper consultation with some other celebrities and big names in the film industry. But, so far, to her disappointment, no positive sign or any response came from the ministry.

Reema holds an intense opinion on screening of Bollywood’s movies in Pakistan. She said that this very step didn’t generate any large revenues to neither the distributors nor the exhibitors and thus they are forced to discontinue this ongoing Indian adventure. She further expressed that the ongoing recession period and the non-professionalism has further added to the problems of local film industry.

Reema is thinking of moving back on the small screen and would be more than glad to act on TV serial. She is being offered a role in Irfan Khusat’s upcoming project, but, ofcourse films are her first love. Presently, she is busy producing an Urdu film, ‘Kitni Haseen Hai Zindagi’.

Source: FashionCentral.pk

Sonia Ahmed- President of Miss Pakistan World,

Miss Pakistan world has been existing for 7 years and you are the brain child behind it. How did you come about an idea when it never even crossed the minds of the entertainment industry of Pakistan?
I started Miss Pakistan at a very young age of 21 in University. I was a member of a Pakistani Student’s Association and while talking to some friends, I just got the idea of doing something for the positive image of my country. Miss Pakistan World seemed to be a very good platform where I could use it to show that Pakistani women were modern and not what the world perceived them to be. I wanted to start creating role models in the Pakistani Canadian community where our image could change for the world. Today I have successfully created Miss Pakistan’s in UK, USA, China and Canada.

It was Miss Canada Pakistan before and in just 3 years you changed it to Miss Pakistan World, what brought about this change?
When I started Miss Canada Pakistan, it was only for the contestants coming from Canada. Suddenly, I was getting calls from the USA and UK. At that time, I could not say no to the girls, and then I realized that it would be better if the pageant became global. So we announced that applications would be taken from any country where Canadian visa requirements were met. Since 2006 the Miss Pakistan World pageant became global.

After that you started the Mrs. Pakistan World pageant. How did you gear up for that?
The Mrs. Pakistan World was a tough choice as married Pakistani women are not too flexible. I did not advertize much but we made this an online pageant, and then in 2007 we crowned the first Mrs. Pakistan World. This will be our third year in 2009.

So an industry got started but Pakistan’s situation has worsened since 2008. What future do you see for Miss Pakistan World?
I see a bright future, out of Pakistan at the moment. For the next ten years, the Pakistanis living abroad will feed to this industry and keep it secure. We hope that Pakistan’s current situation changes and things become easier for the arts and entertainment sector.

Controversies surround this event, why is it always like that?
Well, Miss Pakistan World is a unique name and people are intrigued at the fact that a pageant for Pakistan exists. Media wants to know how a pageant for Pakistan is existing amidst all the trouble the country faces. So in a way, we really can’t help it. We are always in the spot light and we are the only hope for a modern Pakistan. There is no other element that shows the very modern side of Pakistan in the world.

Miss Pakistan World and Mrs. Pakistan World take pride in the international pageants that have been completed in the past 6 years! How did you complete 20 international pageants in less than 6 years?
Well we not only completed 20 international pageants, we also won sub titles as well. When I realized that I was competing with countries that were in this business for 50 years, I wanted to rush as much as possible. So we competed in a minimum of 4-5 pageants every year. We made our international presence and also won titles.

What do you look in a contestant?
I look for a pleasant nature and the girl who brings in her own twist to the Miss Pakistan World pageant. I also am very proud of those girls who have participated in the Miss Pakistan World pageant over the years. They were the brave ones, and they all did well.

So besides, working for the pageant, what else do you do in your personal life?
Well, I travel a lot, and that too is business related. I am always working in my mind, to see this company do more all the time. But my hobbies are travelling, watching news, watching Hollywood movies, I love going to the gym, and these days I have become a gym freak, and also I love taking care of myself. I eat healthy, take my vitamins, exercise and keep fit. I always want to spend a lot of time with my family, and usually we do a lot of things together. I go to a lot of parties and events during the weekend and spend time in networking and meeting tons of people. I enjoy my social life quite a bit!

Any major plans for Miss Pakistan World or anything else!
Well, at the moment, Canada is the hub of Miss Pakistan World and I think this country is the best country to be a surrogate host to Pakistan for its pageant. I pride myself in creating the industry Pakistan never thought it would see. And I am proud of all the hard work I put into it. I would not have exchanged this for anything else. Today we have a Miss Pakistan and today we have hope that such events can happen for Pakistan.

Any advice for the Pakistani community around the world!
My advice to the Pakistani community is to be more open to new ideas and take on projects that can bring Pakistan in the world’s eyes. That’s it!

If you were stuck on an island, who would you want to be stuck with: Well, that would definitely be The Rock- Dwayne Johnson
The food you love the most – Pakistani!
Your favorite actress – Angelina Jolie
Your favorite actor – Tom Hanks
Your favourite colors – Purple and Green
Your favorite fruit – Mango
Your crush – President Musharraf
Your city in Pakistan – Karachi all the way!
Your best travel spot – Bahamas
You best feature – My smile!

Asad Amanat Ali's 2nd Death Anniversary Observed

Renowned Pakistani classical, semi- classical and ghazal singer Asad Amanat Ali Khan's second death anniversary was being observed on Wednesday 8th April 2009.

According to a private Aaj TV report, Asad Amanat Ali Khan was born fifty five years ago, in the renowned Patiala Gharana of musicians, in Lahore. He was engaged with classical music from his earliest years.

His great grandfather Ali Buksh Khan, the founder of the Patiala Gharana, passed on his legacy to Akhter Hussain, who then transferred the gift and training to his sons Fateh Ali Khan, Amanat Ali Khan and Hamid Ali Khan.

Amanat Ali Khan passed away at an early age in 1974, but Fateh Ali Khan particularly drew worldwide acclaim. At the age of 10 years Asad recorded his first song, which featured on his grandfather's debut album.

He had not been very interested in academics, and therefore joined a private institution and began singing professionally after completing his F.A.

He started his musical career by performing 'Thumri' and then went on to record some of his most popular Punjabi numbers and ghazals, such as umra lagian, zara zara, kal chaudwin ki raat, and ghar wapas jab.

One of the song that he performed in almost every concert, arguably his father (Ustad Amanat Ali Khan's) biggest hit, was Insha ji utho.

Asad worked for Pakistan Television for several years. Nisar Bazmi, composer and PTV producer, who passed away last week in Karachi, gave him his first break, introducing the artist to the world on live television.

He retained his affiliation with television through the years, recording over 1,000 songs. Asad also contributed to the Pakistani film industry, featuring on a number of soundtracks. Moreover, he caught the attention of neighbouring Bollwood and contributed to soundtracks there too.

Asad Amanat Ali was also famous for his "soz-o-salam" recitations in Urdu describing the events of Karbala during Ashura in Muharram, and appeared on many radio and television specials about Karbala over the years before his death.

Report created by AAJ Tv Pakistan

Pakistani Bridal Dresses

Sana Safinaz & Rizwan Beyg’s Spring Summer collection

Sana Safinaz and Rizwan beyg do not need introduction, their label is already set high on the fashion pedestal. Both are synonymous with elegant style. They have carved a niche for themselves in the fashion industry for their clothes ranging from intricately embellished bridals to refreshingly cool lawn prints for summer. Their clothes are breathtaking and on 27th March 2009 Catalyst and Ensemble invited celebrities, socialites, press and media personalities to preview their summer collections at Ensembles in Karachi.

Mrs Zeba Hussain of Ensemble joined hands with Rizwan Beyg and Sana Safinaz to showcase their marvelous collection which will be now available at Ensemble. Their spring summer 09 prêt outfits had eye catching colors, unique cuts with beautiful design embellishments made everyone fall in love with the collections, while Sana Safinaz had colorful palette and Rizwan Beyg struck to crème and Black.

Those who attended the event were, Nadia Hussain, Mal, Frieha Altaf, Musharaf Hai, Nomi Ansari, Deepak Perwani, Nini, Mohsin Qureshi, Rizwana Khan and Zaraa of Zara’s beauty saloon and large number of press, electronic media and people from all walks of life. The event PR was successfully handled by Catalyst.

Source: FashionCentral

Lawn for summer 2009

With the weather taking more on the warmer side each passing day, its time pashminas and georgettes be put away and lawn be placed in the front, easy to pull out and wear.

With the soon to arrive scorching afternoons and warm sunny days, lawn is the only fabric which can bearably be worn during these harsh days. With the arrival of April, we see more and more varieties of Lawn appearing in the markets, and more and more people crowding the cloth shops to get the best designs. You see lawn everywhere now at exhibitions, markets, even at the tailor shops.

with more and more people, get attracted towards lawn, this means more new creativity needs to be put in by designers to give us more fresher stock –something which appeals us in the first glance.

This year designers’ palette includes pastel colors for lawn. These colors include pale yellow, peach, light blue, lavender, lilac, sea green, tea pink and lime.

If pastel is not your thing than you can always opt for brighter colors like hot pink, deep purple, bottle green, red, intense yellow and royal blue. These colors, too are ruling this season.

When it comes to prints, floral are always on the ‘should-buy’ list. Whether big prints or small prints, florals always look great and nothing can beat its popularity. Added features include embroidery and shimmer. Apart from these, abstract and traditional prints are much loved as well.

This season shalwars are plain and simple with chiffon/georgette dupattas, adding grace to the dress.

If you haven’t been out shopping yet, it’s time you get in the summer spirit and grace yourself with lovely lawn prints. Happy summer shopping!

Source:FashionCentral.pk