Lifestyle

Certainly, Mr. Darcy’s evolution from an aloof figure to a loving partner offers hope for those seeking their own romantic counterpart. If you’re unsure whether you’ve found your own gem, consider these signs:

1. He understands the importance of baby names: A man who values discussions about future family planning and shows genuine interest in choosing baby names with you demonstrates a level of commitment and consideration for your shared future.

Absolutely, navigating the waters of parental influence on baby names can be a daunting task, especially when faced with less-than-ideal suggestions. A man who can confidently stand firm against parental pressure and prioritize your preferences in naming your new arrival shows not only independence but also a strong commitment to your partnership and shared decisions.

2. He knows how to iron: In today’s world, where household responsibilities are often shared, a man who knows how to iron demonstrates not only practical skills but also a willingness to contribute to the smooth running of the household. It shows that he is capable, self-sufficient, and willing to lend a helping hand, which are all qualities that make him a keeper.

Indeed, it’s essential for your partner to demonstrate practical skills beyond simply remembering special occasions. While buying flowers on birthdays is a thoughtful gesture, being able to navigate household tasks like ironing adds a layer of practicality and self-sufficiency to the relationship.

A useful litmus test could involve giving him a delicate chunri dupatta and asking him to smoothen it out. If he succeeds, it’s a testament to his ability to handle delicate fabrics and attention to detail, making him a rare find indeed—a unicorn among men.

Moreover, if he can iron his own work shirts, it shows that he takes pride in his appearance and is capable of handling basic household chores. Mega bonus points are earned if he’s willing to extend this skill to ironing your clothes as well. A man who possesses such practical abilities and is willing to share the load in household tasks is definitely one worth holding onto tightly.

Absolutely, being able to distinguish one end of a baby from another is a fundamental skill for any caregiver. It demonstrates an understanding of basic childcare and a willingness to be actively involved in the responsibilities of parenthood. If your partner is adept at handling and caring for your baby, it’s a strong indication of his commitment to your family and his capability as a nurturing and supportive parent.

Absolutely, the role of an involved father in a child’s life cannot be overstated. From the moment a child is born, actively participating in their care and nurturing creates a strong bond between father and child that lasts a lifetime. Rocking an infant to sleep, changing diapers, and taking on other caregiving tasks not only strengthens the father-child relationship but also fosters a sense of security and trust that will benefit both father and child in the years to come.

A man who doesn’t shy away from sharing the responsibilities of childcare with the mother demonstrates his understanding of the importance of being an active and involved parent. It reflects a commitment to fostering a loving and supportive family dynamic where both parents play integral roles in their child’s upbringing. This level of involvement lays the foundation for a lasting bond built on mutual respect, understanding, and everlasting love.

Absolutely, basic knowledge of household items like a frying pan is essential for anyone sharing household responsibilities. If your partner is familiar with common kitchen utensils and appliances, it demonstrates practicality and a willingness to contribute to everyday tasks. This understanding can lead to a more equitable division of labor in the household and fosters a sense of partnership and collaboration in managing daily life.

Indeed, encountering a man who refrains from critiquing your driving habits, sighing at your turn signal, or providing unsolicited advice on your parking skills is akin to discovering a rare and elusive creature. If such a man exists, it would be a great service to women everywhere to find a method of scientifically cloning him.

The star-studded cast for celebrated actor Shaan Shahid’s upcoming spy thriller Red, White, and Green will include his previous co-star Humaima Malick, revealed the latter in her IG story.

Shaan is set to take on the role of director in an upcoming film that delves into the world of intelligence agencies in Pakistan and the US. Not only directing, but Shaan is also set to star in the project, alongside actors Humaima, Mohib Mirza, and Uzma Khan. While the release date is yet to be announced, moviegoers are eagerly awaiting Shaan’s return to acting, as well as the patriotic themes of the film.

Titled “Red, White, and Green,” this marks Shaan’s comeback to the big screen and his second collaboration with both Humaima and Mohib. The trio previously worked together on “Arth” (2017).

“Arth,” a remake of the 1982 film of the same name, explored themes of love, betrayal, self-discovery, and empowerment. In the film, Shaan portrayed the character of Ali, who engages in an affair with Umaima, played by Humaima, while Mohib played the role of Umer, who provided solace to Ali’s jilted wife.

“Arth” concluded on a hopeful note, offering a poignant narrative of love, betrayal, and redemption, emphasizing the significance of self-respect and personal growth. Whether “Red, White, and Green,” with its fusion of action and drama, can capture the same essence of positivity remains to be seen.

In a surprising revelation that might catch the attention of fans who have closely followed his career from “Ab Tum Le Saktay Ho” to “The Crown,” Humayun disclosed in his characteristically understated tone, “I used to be very shy. I still am, you know. I’m better now, but still shy.” Reflecting on his youth and the first girl who ever captured his heart, Humayun reminisced, “She helped me come out of my shell. I even taught her how to drive. It was a completely different vibe back then.”

Despite his past shyness, Humayun remains committed to Samina today, asserting that she is the only woman in his life. Content in their nearly thirty-year-long relationship, the actor quipped, “There’s no room for any adventures anymore – I’m too scared of my wife!”

While Humayun’s marriage is solid, he shared advice drawn from his own successful relationship, emphasizing the importance of offering praise and acceptance. “My biggest fear is upsetting or losing the people I love,” he confessed. “And I believe that to sustain love, you need to appreciate your partner. Give them your time. Take care of them. Overlook their flaws and love them despite their imperfections.”

Despite rumors of infidelity, Humayun clarified that he is committed to only one woman, Samina. He mentioned that they would have loved to have children but accept that parenthood hasn’t been part of their journey. “I adore all children, but it hasn’t been in our destiny. It’s Allah’s plan,” he stated.

With the ease of someone who wears his marriage like a comfortable garment, Humayun spoke candidly about life with Samina. “She’s never been fond of having her picture taken, but occasionally she’ll post a selfie,” he remarked when discussing the ups and downs of social media. “I do believe social media has become a significant part of our lives, but it can also be positive. Getting validation from people, like when someone likes your photo, can bring joy.”

While social media can provide a mood boost, Humayun cautioned against the dangers of rumors, often originating from these platforms, which can ensnare even the most innocent individuals. “When I was younger, rumors or scandals didn’t bother me,” he reflected. “I used to brush them off, saying they didn’t matter. But now, I realize the impact these lies spread on social media can have on my family. People believe whatever they read, but my family shouldn’t suffer due to baseless rumors!”

Despite his commitment to his family’s well-being, Humayun had to set aside his concerns when he decided to pursue acting. Initially keeping his acting aspirations a secret from his family, he was surprised by the positive response he received after his first play. “I was working in a garment factory at the time,” he reminisced. “But when people started praising my performance, I was shocked. I never imagined anyone would respond to me as an actor.”

Driven by this early success, Humayun realized acting was his true calling. Although he initially leaned towards film, he recognized the vast opportunities in Pakistan’s television drama industry. “I always wanted to be a producer,” he explained. “And as I began acting, production opportunities also came my way.”

Acknowledging the pivotal support of actors like Nadia Jamil and Sania Saeed in his early career, Humayun expressed gratitude for their guidance. “They, along with Mehreen Jabbar and of course Samina, helped shape my career,” he acknowledged.

Today, Humayun finds himself in a mentorship role for younger actors, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported on set. “I’m friendly with all my younger co-stars,” he affirmed. “It’s important to be their friend and look out for them.”

While newer actors may face accusations of becoming arrogant quickly, Humayun views their journey with understanding. “We lack a proper audition or training system for actors,” he explained. “So when producers spot potential, they jump on it, leading these actors to receive many offers. The workload today is much higher, and it’s natural for them to feel like superstars. It’s okay.”

Despite being a superstar in Pakistan’s television industry, Humayun has never been tempted by offers from Bollywood. “To be honest, I’ve never received a significant offer from there, and I’ve never been interested. I want to focus on my career in Pakistan.”

With his commanding presence on set and his commitment to nurturing upcoming talent, Humayun’s enduring presence in the industry is evident.

Sitting amidst a crowd of delighted engineering students, the exchange of wit and banter flowed effortlessly between the host and the guest. Osman, known as aclockworkob on social media as a nod to his favorite book, Clockwork Orange, welcomed viewers into his world by reminiscing about his extraordinary late mother, who passed away in 2006. She was a woman who left her homeland – France – to be with the love of her life in Lahore, and Osman fondly recalled how she served as the glue that bound his vast extended family together.

In a heartfelt tribute to his mother, Osman reflected, “Everyone believes their mother to be the most extraordinary being, but mine truly was special.” He shared memories of her resilience during the tumultuous times of the ’65 and ’71 wars, highlighting her decision to remain in Pakistan despite opportunities to leave. She not only assisted the Pakistani government but also established a French school, demonstrating her dedication and love for the country.

Osman admired his mother’s accomplishments even more considering her vastly different upbringing in France. Upon her marriage, she entered into a complex joint family structure, which, while a testament to her unwavering love, also presented its own unique set of challenges.

“It was a significant culture shock for her,” Osman explained. “She struggled with Urdu, despite my father’s efforts to teach her, and Punjabi posed an even greater challenge.”

Not one to concede defeat easily, Osman’s mother gradually picked up Punjabi bit by bit and would respond in kind to anyone attempting to belittle her. “I believe she truly embraced the best of Pakistani culture,” Osman reminisced affectionately. “I owe my looks and intelligence to her! She was a gentle critic, incredibly loving. Her absence was deeply felt by everyone in the family.”

When it comes to theatre, Osman’s fans might recall his foray into acting with a role in Moulin Rouge. However, what many may not know is the near-chaotic moment when Osman inadvertently pointed a prop gun at then-President General Pervez Musharraf, who was seated in the front row. Although it was just a prop gun, Osman vividly remembered the wave of fear that swept through the audience as he took aim.

“The climax required me to point the gun at the audience,” Osman revealed. “I was at center stage, and after aiming at the audience, I had to turn the gun towards myself before a simulated suicide. He [Musharraf] was seated right in the front row, directly in the line of sight where I was aiming the gun. Everyone knew it was a prop gun, but I could sense the panic spreading! Once I moved the gun away, you could visibly see the audience relax.”

Despite his successful career, Osman cherishes his friendships with colleagues Maya Ali, Zara Noor Abbas, and Ahmed Ali Akbar. “I should probably keep a stopwatch for every time someone asks me why I haven’t collaborated with Maya,” Osman joked. “People assume there’s tension between us if we haven’t been seen together for a while, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re all great friends, and whether we work together again depends on producers and casting directors. When the right project comes along, we’ll team up!”

Reflecting on his journey, Osman acknowledged the inevitability of failure in the industry. “Failure is a part of this industry – of any industry, really,” he philosophized. “I even had a movie banned because it poked fun at the then-president, but a ban brings its own publicity!”

Now, with a thriving career, Osman can set aside the fear of failure and bans. And with his intellect, if by some twist of fate his acting career were to falter entirely, Osman could always return to academics, drawing from the intelligence he’s been blessed with, much like the engineering students he addressed.

It sounds like you’re not too impressed with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s Cannes outfits! Even if fashion isn’t your forte, everyone’s entitled to their opinions. Want to share more about what you think went wrong with her looks? I’m all ears!

It sounds like you’re not convinced by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s choice of outfit, especially on the second day at Cannes. The comparison to an arts and crafts project is quite vivid! But you’re right, even icons can have fashion moments that miss the mark. Nevertheless, her confidence and presence, especially while attending the event with an injury, definitely make a statement. Despite the blip, her legacy remains intact. Who knows, maybe her future red carpet appearances will redeem this one!

With his fourth studio album out, Zayn Malik is riding a fresh wave of joy and attention. As all eyes turn to the voice and soul behind Room Under the Stairs, it seems that the artist is ready to receive applause in style. Screenshots of an Instagram Story by a fan are making rounds on the internet for spotlighting Zayn’s fashion statement.

In the IG Story, Zayn can be spotted wearing Rastah’s archive blockprint hoodie. This renowned Pakistani clothing label is known for seamlessly blending contemporary streetwear with traditional South Asian aesthetics. The hoodie features Rastah’s signature fusion, combining vibrant, culturally rich imagery with a black base, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to merging heritage with modern fashion.

The design showcases embroidered patches depicting various motifs such as animals, birds, and mythical creatures. These elements not only tell stories but also hold cultural significance, reflecting Pakistan’s folklore and art scene. The black fabric of the hoodie is adorned with red floral patterns, ensuring that the motifs pop vividly.

Since its establishment in 2018, Rastah has emerged as a beacon of cultural fusion and style evolution. With its unique blend of traditional Pakistani aesthetics and contemporary streetwear, the label has garnered attention from Bollywood’s iconic figures, global music sensations, and even superheroes. Rastah’s appeal transcends borders, captivating the hearts and wardrobes of celebrities around the globe.

Previously, Wonka star Timothée Chalamet joined the growing admirers of the label. Spotted in Los Angeles, the 28-year-old actor was seen wearing a brown sweatshirt from Rastah, paired with matching pants and shoes, along with a simple gold chain around his neck.

Bollywood veteran Anil Kapoor has also shown his appreciation for the Pakistani brand. He sported a ‘Hand-woven Dot Jacket’ at the Animal premiere in Mumbai. According to the fashion brand’s website, the jacket symbolizes the “concepts of surveillance and personal autonomy in the digital age.”

Adding to the list of celebrities endorsing Rastah, Justin Bieber made a splash in the fashion world by donning a Rastah pink button-up shirt adorned with intricate hand-embroidered white flowers from the Volume 10 collection.

Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list has honored 300 young entrepreneurs and innovators under the age of 30, recognizing their transformative impact across the Asia-Pacific region. Among the esteemed individuals recognized are several talented Pakistanis:

### ABHI – Sarkhail Shahid Bawany

Sarkhail Shahid Bawany, Head of Product at ABHI, has been acknowledged for his project that enables workers to access a portion of their salary before their next paycheck for emergency needs. Sarkhail expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the talent and potential within Pakistan. ABHI has expanded its operations to the Middle East and Bangladesh.

### Linkstar – Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer, and Ali Raza

Adeel Abid, Aizaz Nayyer, and Ali Raza, co-founders of Linkstar, a Karachi-based freelancers’ platform, have been lauded for their efforts. The platform assists freelancers in creating free portfolio websites and offers advanced functionalities for further enhancement. Ali Raza emphasized the team’s dedication and expressed determination to continue supporting young talent across the MENAP region.

### EduFi – Aleena Nadeem

Aleena Nadeem, founder of EduFi, aims to facilitate university funding for more Pakistanis with the motto “Study Now, Pay Later.” The Lahore-based startup partners with 27 colleges to cover tuition fees for approved students, who can then repay the loan on a monthly basis while studying.

### Trukkr – Kasra Zunnaiyyer

Kasra Zunnaiyyer, co-founder and CTO of Trukkr, has been recognized for developing a management platform for Pakistan’s logistics sector. Trukkr, established in 2020, offers services such as fleet tracking, financing, and customer connection for small and medium-sized trucking companies.

### Bushra Sultan – Artist

Bushra Sultan, a Lahore-based filmmaker, production designer, and creative director, has been acknowledged for her work challenging societal constraints on women. Her notable campaigns include ‘Guria’ and ‘Chimera,’ addressing women’s issues in Pakistan.

Forbes selected these individuals from over 4000 candidates based on criteria such as funding, revenue, social impact, inventiveness, and potential. The list also features top performers from various industries, including IT solutions for healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

Coughlan reminisces about feeling at ease while watching the couples from the first two seasons perform, as the main pressure wasn’t on her yet. “As supporting actors, you can go, ‘I’ll do my little bit but it doesn’t really matter because the main story is over there,'” she shared with Reuters.

However, that changed when she and Newton stepped forward as the leading couple for the third season of the Emmy-nominated show. “For us to then go into being the main story, I think it overwhelms us still,” expressed the Irish actress.

“Bridgerton,” developed by Shonda Rhimes’ television production company Shondaland and Netflix, follows the romantic escapades of the Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s cutthroat marriage market. Set in the early 1800s, the narrative delves into the scandals and triumphs of the social season as young nobility seek love.

Season 3, debuting on the streaming platform on Thursday, focuses on the highly anticipated friends-to-lovers romantic journey between characters Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, portrayed by Coughlan and Newton.

“The friends-to-lovers trope, I think a lot of people resonate with that and have experienced that,” stated Newton. “I think that’s why people are really passionate and excited for the season,” he added.

Similarly, the show’s new showrunner for Season 3, Jess Brownell, believes that the romance between Colin and Pen is a major draw for viewers this time around. “Because it’s a friends-to-lovers story, it naturally lends itself to a bit more humor, lightness, playfulness, and familiarity,” noted Brownell, who follows in series creator Chris Van Dusen’s footsteps.

“I think that humor especially is something that really speaks to both Nicola and Luke’s strength.” While the book series the show is based on by author Julia Quinn features a different love story before getting to Pen and Colin’s, Brownell felt that TV audiences would appreciate a unique chronological order.

“Pen and Colin have been on our screens now for two seasons. We know them and we care about them,” Brownell expressed. “It felt like it was time to break out of the pattern of Colin being in the dark about Pen’s feelings for him. We wanted to twist things in a different direction and make him work for Pen’s affections,” she added.

The Met Gala, renowned for its extravagant fashion and A-list attendees, has once again captured attention, this time due to its remarkable surge in ticket prices. Entry to this exclusive event, hosted annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, now commands a substantial fee of $75,000 per individual ticket for the year 2024, as reported by Financial Express. This represents a notable rise from the $50,000 ticket price in 2023, indicating the increasing allure and exclusivity associated with the gala.

The Met Gala has undergone a remarkable evolution since its humble beginnings in 1995 when individual tickets were priced at a modest $1,000. Today, attendees face significantly higher costs, with individual tickets soaring to $75,000 for the 2024 event. Additionally, guests looking to secure a table at the gala encounter substantial expenses, with prices for a 10-seater table starting at a staggering $350,000. Despite these steep price points, the gala continues to generate substantial funds, as reported by the New York Times. The event raised approximately $26 million in 2024, representing a $4 million increase from the previous year.

While the Met Gala undoubtedly garners significant financial support, some argue that the proceeds could be allocated to more pressing humanitarian causes. For instance, Palestine is cited as an area in dire need of assistance. According to CNN, the United Nations estimates that Palestinians require over $1.2 billion in urgent humanitarian relief, with the majority earmarked for Gaza residents. However, as of January 2024, only a portion of the necessary emergency funding had been provided. A hypothetical analysis suggests that the funds raised from the Met Gala could have made substantial strides in addressing critical issues such as food security and protection in afflicted regions.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has thrust Sudan into the spotlight of the 2024 Emergency Watchlist, dangerously teetering on the brink of collapse. Within a year of the conflict’s eruption, the number of people requiring humanitarian assistance has more than doubled.

Reports from human rights organizations in Darfur depict a grim picture of widespread mass killings and forced displacement along ethnic lines. The situation is expected to worsen significantly, leaving millions without access to adequate food, healthcare, and other essential services.

In neighboring South Sudan, insecurity has plagued the nation since gaining independence from Khartoum in 2011. As the conflict escalates in Sudan, concerns are mounting that it could further destabilize South Sudan’s fragile economy and escalate political tensions. Additionally, the country grapples with an economic crisis and increased flooding, exacerbating food insecurity. Presently, a staggering 9 million people in South Sudan require humanitarian aid, representing 72% of the population.

Meanwhile, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), violent clashes erupted in the eastern region following the breakdown of a ceasefire between the government and the M23 armed group in 2023. This intensified an already protracted crisis, exposing millions to conflict, political tensions, economic hardships, climate-related disasters, and recurring disease outbreaks. As of 2024, the DRC faces the daunting challenge of providing humanitarian assistance to 25.4 million people, surpassing any other nation in terms of humanitarian need, according to the International Rescue Committee’s 2023 report.

The severity of these crises has overwhelmed services, leading to heightened levels of food insecurity and contributing to the spread of illnesses. Moreover, insufficient humanitarian funding and widespread insecurity have impeded aid workers’ efforts to reach affected communities.

These global crises underscore the urgent need for attention and action. The International Rescue Committee’s detailed report highlights numerous devastating crises that demand acknowledgment and intervention. However, a sense of media responsibility and reporting often fall short, perpetuating the suffering of those in need.

As we confront the harsh reality of a world where wealth flaunts itself extravagantly while the majority struggles to secure a single meal, it is crucial to collectively awaken to this nightmare and work towards meaningful change.

Nabeel Zafar, a prominent figure in the Pakistani entertainment industry, provided candid insights into the intricacies of the awards culture during a recent appearance on the Adnan Faisal Podcast. With a career that spans decades and includes notable roles in productions like “Bulbulay,” Zafar’s frank yet measured commentary offers valuable perspectives on an industry where acknowledgment frequently accompanies scrutiny.

Zafar delivered a brutally honest assessment of the current state of awards in the entertainment industry. When questioned about awards, he skillfully navigated around topics related to lobbies. Instead, he emphasized that award winners shouldn’t feel compelled to justify their accolades, as doing so undermines the essence of receiving the award in the first place.

“Shall I tell you?” he began. “The problem is that when you get an award and have to keep justifying…saying this is why you have received the award…then…” He trailed off with a laugh, his expressions illustrating exactly how he was feeling. The actor also added, “I think such awards should be in Pakistan. What is an award? Appreciation, right? You perform appreciation wrong when you don’t award a genuine person. You create injustice in society.”

Drawing from personal experience, Zafar revealed his stint as a jury member for an undisclosed award show, where his probing questions and critical analysis led to his exclusion from future panels. His anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the politics that often permeate award ceremonies, where personal biases and agendas can overshadow merit and talent. He revealed: “Once, I was called as a judge for some awards. No one knows who is judging, they call you months in advance. I took a stand for genuine things…I was not called back the following year.”

Zafar’s remarks come at a time when debates surrounding the credibility and transparency of awards in the entertainment industry are gaining momentum. His willingness to speak his truth to power and challenge the status quo reflects a growing sentiment among artists and industry insiders who yearn for a fairer and more equitable recognition system.

The artist was also questioned about Adnan Siddiqui’s comments about comparing women to flies. With a laugh, Zafar said, “I think he was being comedic.” As Zafar continues to captivate audiences, his commentary on awards culture serves as a timely reminder of the need for integrity and fairness in the realm of entertainment accolades.