In terms of initiation, the eighties rules. Despite the garish technicolour, the empire sleeves, the culottes and the pantaloons, the decade had a regal bearing, one that crashed in with force and would leave its mark for years to come. With this tsunamic wave swept in the making of an industry in Pakistan and when the tide retreated, it left behind the ultimate diva: ATIYA KHAN. As a model Atiya allowed a free imaginative interaction with the clothes she wore. She was versatile, unorthodox and unpredictable, retiring at an unforgivably young age of 21 to explore more stimulating pastures. As an ad-film maker, Atiya was a disciple, learning on the job, allowing her creative prowess to unleash a freedom, which had been stifled in the world of modeling. But it wasn’t long before film-making too reached a point of saturation and she abandoned the career without a second thought, substituting it with the more challenging role of motherhood. Atiya’s recent comeback as a model, member of the fashion fraternity and as a research analyst on Sufism proves that time has lent her a diversity without diminishing her panache.

Pakistani film star, Meera has claimed that she will give a better performance than the late Bollywood actress, Madhubala as the enchanting palace maid in a Pakistani serial, ‘Anarkali’. Madhubala had given a memorable performance as the stunning sweetheart of Prince Salim in ‘Mughhal-e-Azam’.

‘Anarkali’ is one of the mega-budgeted serials of Afreen Baig. He has produced highly acclaimed serials like ‘Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Main’ and ‘Chandni Raatein’.

According to a report, the mega serial is expected to be Meera’s best classic venture. The cast of the serial includes Babar Ali, Talat Hussain, Ayub Khoso, Mohini, Meher Rizwi and Azra Aftab.

Actress par excellence Nadia Jameel has always cruised through life first class. As she stares at her reflection she reminds me of Shakespeare’s character Portia

Seeing you perform onscreen is simply terrific. Does acting come as naturally to you as it seems to us as viewers?

I always felt that I had this thing in me. At school, I got this opportunity to improve my gestures and attain a great deal of voice control. It was when I joined Madiha Gauhar and Ajoka that I got the real kind of exposure and atmosphere to groom my acting skills.

What does your work mean to you?
I wouldn’t know what to do if not do what I do!

What were you like at 15?
Confused … Like all 15 years olds I guess.

What brings you contentment?
When every thing on my job list for the day is done.

The recording of first joint Pak-India drama serial “Sukhay Pathay” is completed and will be telecasted soon.
The Pak-India mega series includes versatile Bollywood Indian actor Suresh Oberoi, Sunita Marshall, Amar Jeet, Mann Sharma along with Pakistan senior TV actress Uzma Gillani, Farah Shah, Neelma Hasan, Ayub Khoso, Janah Malik, Qaiser Nizamani and Mikal.

Producer of the serial Khalid Khan said that “Sukhay Pathay” is completed under the banner of KK Production Canada and will be telecasted soon.

The serial has been recorded in Canada while some of the scenes are shot in Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Whether you know her as Nida Pasha or Nida Yasir, there is no denying that this young starlet has made a name for herself not because of her illustrious show biz background but by dint of her own talent and hard work. Fashion Collection chats with her about her transition from a budding TV artiste during her carefree days as a single woman to her present position of celebrity married to a colleague.

Do you feel being Kazim Pasha’s daughter facilitated you in joining the acting profession?

I hardly think so. I had never thought of acting, but my friends were after me that I am photogenic and should try my luck in plays. So, I finally took part in one directed by my father, in which I had just two scenes where all I was expected to do was cry. My father was quite impressed with my crying abilities, but didn’t want me to pursue a career at that point as I was still studying. After I graduated he caste me in another play, ‘Daji’ but after that he gave me no more breaks as he felt people would think he was promoting me. He wanted me to make a name for myself on my own merit, without his support. It did bother me initially, especially because I know he gives other girls such opportunities that they become famous after a serial, where as I had to make it on my own. So it was more a disadvantage having parents in showbiz. It was only after I worked with Yasir Akhter in ‘Mera ghar aik whirlpool’ that I gained recognition and after that got a lot of offers for commercials and dramas. I started comparing and modeling too, after that.

It is a hot and humid Saturday afternoon when one reaches a local salon to meet Maria Wasti, who happens to be in Karachi for a drama serial she’s shooting. Dressed casually in a T-shirt and jeans, her hair all over the place, we settle in comfortably, she with her cup of chai and me with my tape recorder, notepad and pen. The conversation begins with the much clichéd query: how did she come into acting?

In the first and largest event of its type, Indian and Pakistani film stars and artistes performed together in a six-hour concert to raise funds for tsunami survivors.

Called “Help!”, the concert held in Bombay, was broadcast on several news and entertainment television channels, including Geo TV. Indian film legend Amitabh Bachchan, superstars Shahrukh Khan and Aamir Khan and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai made appeals for donations.

Actress turned director Sawera Nadeem, after passing out from the NSD, Delhi’s National School of Drama ,is on her new project these days which is based on Thomas Hardy’s novel “Far From the Madding Crowd”, written by a new talent Ali Arif.

According to the Daily Times, Sawera also plans to direct a production of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, a new adaptation to be written by Karachi-based artist and author Khurram Ali Shafique.

Both adaptations were still in progress so she could not give a definite date for completion, she reportedly said.

Pop star Fakhar-e-Alam aka Falam recently got married in Islamabad. His nikkah took place in Haram when both families performed Umrah in Ramadan. And Rukhsti function was held recently. Fakhir and many other celebrities and VIPs also attended his wedding. His pretty wife is daughter of TV newscaster Naseem Tariq. Valima was held in Lahore and now couple is in Mauritius for honeymoon. We congratulate Faakhar on his wedding and wish him all the best.