BOL NEWSPAPER | July 31 2022

SamiThere's something about

Films or TV, good or evil characters, Sami Khan continues to wow his fans

always been able to portray the guy with the golden heart to the best of his abilities.

shades of grey when his own mother doesn’t like it?

Some are good-looking actors, some love to raise the bar and some are a mixture of both. Sami Khan, however, belongs to the third category. Although he began his career in 2004 and debuted as a filmi hero, Sami Khan has made a name for himself on TV. Be it his ‘good’ characters or ‘evil’ ones, the actor has set a higher standard with his stellar performances, and likes to keep his fans guessing with every new character.

This Eid-ul-Azha, he appeared in the horror-comedy Lafangey while also plays the protagonist in the international production Yaara Vey where Aleeze Nasser and Faizan Khawaja will be his co-stars. That’s not all, Sami Khan will also be making his Hollywood debut with his Bashar Momin co-star Faisal Qureshi as well as the Hollywood legend Faran Tahir. BOLD had a candid chat with the handsome actor who likes to experiment with his looks on TV and plays the good guy in films because he feels that diversifying helps him explore and hone his acting talent, which he then applies to films.

Read on:

Sami Khan – The Quintessential boy next door

Ever since he appeared in PTV's Dil Se Dil Tak in 2005, Sami Khan has been going strong as a lead actor. From winning the coveted Best Actor award from PTV in 2011 for his performance in Ghar Ki Khatir to receiving the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz from the President of Pakistan, the versatile actor has been there, done that. His fans love to see him in the role of a good guy because they feel that such characters suit his personality more.

Be it in Jinnah Ke Naam, Dhaani, Aisi Hai Tanhai, Ishq Zahe-Naseeb, Saraab, or Phaans, Sami has

‘Since I seem more like a happy-go-lucky man, people easily expect me as the good guy and while it results in me getting more positive roles at times it doesn’t help. You see, in Phaans, I had to direct the suspicion toward my character who might or might not have raped the heroine, and since I sometimes play the baddie, I was able to do that convincingly. Had I not crossed over to the dark side in other dramas, no one would have thought that I might be one of the bad guys!’

Sami Khan also feels that if the audience in Pakistan is given a choice, they would love to

Lafangey was sabotaged by reports that suggested that it was banned days before its release, which was not true. That one incorrect news damaged it big time and many in the audience had no clue that it was being screened in cinemas on Eid-ul-Adha. I still feel that being an attempt toward horrorcomedy, it could have been a genre-defining film

watch thrillers and murder mysteries as well as traditional melodramas. He believes that with the advent of Netflix and other streaming services, the audience has matured enough and expects actors like him to experiment rather than continue playing the run-of-the-mill stuff.

‘Be it a sweet guy character or a bad boy persona, I am open for them all because I am a performer who needs challenging characters.

That’s why I went for the TV serial Mohabbat Daagh Ki Soorat where my character was not the perfect guy since he walked with a limp, and I did the same thing in Dulhan where I turned over a new leaf after ruining a girl’s life. My fans did accept me in such characters but my own mother didn’t because in her opinion when I play the antagonist, the performance is so repelling that she doesn’t sympathize with me.’

Sami Khan – The Antagonist everyone hates Then why does Sami Khan play characters with

‘Playing a villain or someone who starts the serial as an antagonist and switches sides once he learns his mistake, gives the actor inside me a chance to demonstrate my skills. It's like batting in a Test match where the batter first assesses the situation, then charges or defends as per the scenario before winning the match with his new-found strategy.’ Whenever the names of the most hated TV villains are compiled, Sami Khan’s name will be on it because of his ruthless performance in Rasm-e-Duniya where he tortured his wife just because his brother wanted to marry her. In Khudgarz, he played the black sheep of the family who destroyed everyone he came across until he realized his mistake while in Dulhan, his character committed the unthinkable act of trading his wife with his cousin’s car, adding the aspect of thrill to the drama.

However, Saraab gave him a chance to play both the good guy and the bad guy, at the same time. The drama revolved around the life of a schizophrenic girl (played by the brilliant Sonya Hussyn) who loves his cousin (Sami Khan) but imagines a life with his imaginary version that appears only to her. Sami Khan plays both the real and imagined version of the character and in some of the scenes even upstaged his fellow co-star by being nothing short of brilliant, because the real one was the good guy, and the imagined one wasn’t.

‘The thrill of playing one character in two different ways was something that excited me the most and director Mohsin Talat and I had a great time creating the two Asfandyars. In some of the scenes, the imagined Asfandyar vanished when the real one entered the frame, and they both were different from each other as they spoke, walked, and even carried themselves differently.’

In his most recent play, Pyar Deewangi Hai, he plays a character that is obsessed with his cousin but loses her to another relative, something that breaks his heart and soul. Fans and critics both have hailed his performance in the play because it is different to his recent dramas, and at times even sympathize with his character Dawood.

‘In Pyar Deewangi Hai, I was allowed to develop my character and despite working on multiple projects, I was given the chance to grow a beard, and become a person who suffers from a broken heart. That added value to my portrayal and while some in the audience want my character to end up with Neelam (since we have worked together in many plays and films), I want them to feel my character’s pain so that they sympathize with him, no matter where or with whom he ends.’

Sami Khan – Back to the big league!

In 2004, Sami Khan debuted as one of the main leads in Rashid Khawaja’s Salakhein opposite Ahmad Butt and Zara Sheikh. The film managed to do good business and was declared a hit but instead of filling the void of a good-looking young hero in films, Sami shifted to TV and didn’t return until 15 years later, with Gumm: In the Middle of Nowhere. The thriller he chose for his comeback didn’t do well at the box office but won him accolades internationally, including best actor at the Madrid International Film Festival and the Creation International Film Festival. Since then, he has been part of the successful Wrong No. 2 and the unsuccessful Kaaf Kangana, while his latest film Lafangey couldn’t leave a mark at the box office. ‘Lafangey was somehow sabotaged by news reports that suggested that it was banned days before its release, which was anything but true. That one incorrect news damaged it big time and many in the audience had no clue that it was being screened in cinemas on Eidul-Azha. I still feel that being an attempt toward horror-comedy, it could have been a genre-defining film. It had elements of comedy and horror mixed together and with improved special effects and low-production cost, could have been a trendsetter. My character was that of a youngster who wants to earn money for his ailing mother and seeks the help of three losers in the process who also have their own back stories.'

The actor is supremely confident of his next feature film, Yaara Vey, which will be having a worldwide release in September this year. Sami thinks the film will be a breath of fresh air for the audience, since it’s a film shot in the most picturesque locations, features an amazing soundtrack, and is a United Arab Emirates production that combines the best technicians and artistes from India and Pakistan.

The thrill of playing one character in two different ways was something that excited me the most and director Mohsin Talat and I had a great time creating the two Asfandyars. In some of the scenes, the imagined Asfandyar vanished when the real one entered the frame

‘Ever since the trailer of Yaara Vey has been unveiled, people have been asking me about the beautiful locations and the fresh feel of the film. Trust me, it will not be like the films we make in Pakistan because it features the talents of both Pakistan and India. My co-star Aleeze Nasser is a wonderful actor while everyone who has seen Dulhan knows the kind of mayhem Faizan Khawaja and I can create onscreen. You can also term this film as a huge moment for me as an actor because I am working with the son (Faizan Khawaja) of the producer (Rashid Khawaja) who introduced me as a film actor, 18 years after it happened.’

And finally, he opens up regarding his second international project, The Window, which will not only reunite him with his Gumm: In the Middle of Nowhere directors Ammar Lasani and Kanza Zia but also grant him his debut in Hollywood.

‘Although I can’t say much about the plot, I would like to say that this film is being made for the Western audience and features Hameed Sheikh, Suhaee Abro, Faran Tahir, Faysal Quraishi and myself. The story revolves around the character played by Suhaee Abro and is based on real events that take place in Pakistan’s northern areas. It will not only provide me a chance to enter Hollywood but understand the way films are made in the West so that when the time comes, I would be able to utilize that experience in Pakistan, be it in films, TV, or both.’

Sami Khan's notable characters

Buland in Bashar Momin (2014)

Although he wasn’t the main lead in this play where Faysal Quraishi played the titular character, it was Sami Khan’s powerful performance as Buland that helped the drama become one of the finest plays of its times.

Directed by Ali

Raza Usama, Sami Khan was Rudaba's fiancé who lived abroad but as the drama progressed, he became bitter towards her fiancée (Ushna Shah) because of Bashar Momin’s influence over her. That’s where Sami Khan displayed every emotion from romance, shock, anger, and hatred, to betrayal and reluctance in a character that will go down as one of his most memorable roles.

Harib in Rasm-e-Duniya (2017)

Fans who sympathized with the way Sami Khan’s Buland was treated in Bashar Momin were blown away by his performance in Rasm-e-Duniya where he played the evil brother Harib who forcibly marries Haya (Armeena Rana Khan), the girlfriend of his younger brother Faris (Bilal Abbas Khan). Not only does he ill-treat his wife, but he also makes her life miserable whenever he can. His character shows the tendency of being mentally unstable as well, adding an angle to his performance that made him stand out in this Roomi Insha-directed venture.

Hamza

in

Aisi Hai Tanhai (2017)

Before Mohsin Ali and Badar Mehmood joined hands as writer/director for Ishqiya and Dunk, they came up with this gem of a play where the life of a college-going girl Pakeezah (Sonya Hussyn) turned upside down when some of her private photos, sent to her fiancé Hamza (Sami Khan), were leaked online. After Pakeezah’s mother poisons her and announces her death to the world, Hamza marries her elder sister Kinza (Nadia Khan) out of guilt. However, when it was found out that Pakeezah was alive and recovering from the trauma, as well as fighting a rape case, Hamza rejoices but dies after taking a bullet intended to end her life outside the court. Sami Khan’s performance in that whole sequence from getting shot to dying in the hospital was so convincing that it might end up among the best death scenes of all time!

Hasan in Khudgarz (2017)

If you thought the character in Rasm-e-Duniya was bad, think again because Sami Khan’s Hasan in this Yasir Nawaz play was not only bad but toxic. He was jealous of his adopted brother Junaid (Syed Jibran), forced him to marry his fiancée Ayrea (Amina Sheikh) by leaving her on the night of their wedding, and then married Abeer (Mansha Pasha) but didn’t bring her home as that would anger his parents. His character changed from evil to reformed but that happened too late in the Rida Bilal script, which showed his character’s journey from being the worst person to someone on the path of redemption.

Asfandyar in Saraab (2020)

In what can be termed as one of his finest performances, Sami Khan plays first a boyfriend and later a husband to Sonya Hussyn’s Hoorain who suffers from schizophrenia. He appears both as the imagined Asfandyar and the real one in front of her and plays them both differently thanks to director Mohsin Talat and writer Edison Idrees. While one can’t see any major difference between the two Asfandyars, the imaginary one is manipulative because he isn’t real, whereas the other one is so caring that he even agrees to marry her in an attempt to get her treated properly.

Is Avengers’ era coming to an end?

“Avengers: The Kang Dynasty" and "Avengers: Secret Wars" will hit cinemas in 2025

the release of ‘Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever’ will mark the end of Phase 4 in November 2022.

At long last, the much-awaited announcement has been made. To conclude Phase 6 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Marvel is going to release two Avenger films in 2025: ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’. According to Kevin Feige, the primary producer of the Marvel Cinematic Universe franchise and the president of Marvel Studios, after the end of Phase 4, various films will be introduced in 2023 and 2024 for Phase 5 such as ‘Ant-Man: Quantumania’ and ‘Thunderbolts’. It has also been revealed that

Where did we last leave the Avengers?

Released in 2019, ‘Avengers: Endgame’ was the sequel of 2018’s highest grossing film, ‘Avengers: Infinity War’. The film follows the Avengers in their attempt to time travel and reverse the damage Thanos has done by erasing half of all life. Every change they bring about by reversing time ends up creating a new alternate reality, which sets the stage for further sequels. Ended with a heartbreaking twist, the Avengers did manage to defeat Thanos but they lost Tony Stark in the process.

What is the Multiverse Saga?

The central theme is based on the idea

How can a film that couldn’t be number one in the city where it was filmed become the most-watched flick in Pakistan? That’s the million-dollar question that would arise in every viewer’s mind after watching Jaadugar, the low-IQ, low-budget, and extremely low-quality flick that Netflix India released, for some reason. In a world full of sports flicks, this film will rank at rock bottom, because it failed to resonate with those who love magic, or football because in an attempt to combine the two, it failed to connect with either.

The Plot

In Neemuch, a small town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, football is the biggest sport, and every team that plays the game is good at it, except the Panthers, managed by a former local legend (Jaaved Jaaferi). When the going gets tough, he wants his nephew Meenu (Jitendra Kumar) to follow his dad’s legacy, but Meenu is as bad at football as he is in his studies. Instead of following his father and uncle, he becomes an amateur magician and starts falling in love at the same time, until his uncle’s team is asked to either start winning or be sacked as a team because of their dismal record.

The Good

The concept behind the film was good since it combined two different genres – fantasy and sports. Like an episode of The Good Cop, where technology was used to win a bowling competition, the makers could have used magic to win the football tournament but the scriptwriters were hell-bent on giving football more importance over magic, which shouldn’t have been the case. Arushi Sharma as the love interest of the protagonist was the best part of the entire movie because, before her entry, the film was sinking like Titanic, and she used her acting prowess to slow down the process.

The Bad

Everything was bad about this film from the lead actor to the characters who were there but never looked the part. It was as if the makers forgot about the magic when they were shooting the film, and gave football their undivided attention. Jitendra Kumar might be a very good actor when it comes to TV or OTT platforms but he is no hero material and single-handedly sinks the film because he couldn’t carry it on his shoulders. He is there in nearly every scene of the film, which means nearly three hours; and even Johnny Lever would not have been able to pull such a stunt, after gathering so much expe-

of multiple dimensions, where infinite universes exist in parallel realities – including infinite versions of each superhero and their archnemesis. Based on this concept, MCU has released various films and television shows such as 2019’s ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. The concept was further extended in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”, released in 2022. Now with the two new action-packed Avenger films in 2025 comes the end of the Multiverse Saga.

What do we know about the new films?

As per the official announcement, ‘Avengers: The Kang Dynasty’ will be released in May, 2025 and ‘Avengers: Secret Wars’ will be released six moths later. The events of Kang Dynasty might follow from the show “Loki” where there was an encounter with ‘He Who Remains’. A past-master at time-travelling, Kang can manipulate all timelines and can even step out of the multiverse, making him a much bigger threat than Thanos. He will also appear in ‘AntMan Quantumania’ where the Quantum realm will be explored. In the comics, Kang and his son arrive in present-day Earth to take it over to protect it from disastrous futures, however, the avengers manage to stop him in the end.

All the events in the Multiverse Saga have been building up to Secret Wars, where fans speculate that the entire multiverse will collide into one reality called Battleworld. If you’re a fan of the comics, you must know that this was ruled by Doctor Doom, the archnemesis of the Fantastic Four, but it seems that Kang Dynasty might set the stage for Kang to be the ruler of the entire multiverse. The heroes would then try to overthrow Kang in order to save the multiverse. Fans are expecting that the final sequel of the film will see a return of Bruce Banner as a superhero, since he understands the multiverse theory and knows how the future can be interpreted, making him an equal of Kang.

More to follow

At Comic Con, Marvel also announced the release dates of other shows and films in the MCU. ‘She-Hulk’ is being released on August 17, 2022, the final volume (Vol. 3) of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ will be released in May 2023, ‘The Marvels’ in July 2023, ‘Loki’ Season 2 in 2023, ‘Captain America: New World Order in May, 2024 and ‘Fantastic Four’ in November, 2024.

rience. It might have been a brave attempt from the makers who thought turning a supporting actor into a leading actor would make their film succeed, but it backfired big time. There was nothing worth remembering in the film except the opening, which seems to be the only part of the film where effort was put. After that, there is nothing to look forward to, especially the last half hour which would make you wonder whether you were in a trance when you chose to watch the film or not. Without any hit song to give the audience a breather, and an overdose of street magic, the film was bound to fail because the makers took themselves very seriously when in

fact, they should have taken the script seriously.

It seems the characters were created keeping in mind that some of them might become popular or could be used in some kind of spin-off series, but with no direction to guide them, they all fell flat. The film itself ended with more questions than answers, which is never a good thing for any film, be it a sports flick, a fantasy film, or a mixture of both. There was no explanation given about Jaaved Jaaferi’s left leg which seemed injured somehow, nor was his stutter explained, something that his nephew somehow inherited from him in a crucial scene in the film.

And then there were the inconsistencies like Why did the girlfriend call Meenu when she knew he was at the registration?

Why did her father ask Meenu to sabotage the game if he wanted to marry her? Why did the twins share the same name when they should have two separate names? Why did the goalkeeper move ahead of the penalty? If Meenu could injure a player to become a substitute, why didn’t he do the same thing to the opposition?

How a guy with a defected left shoulder be selected as the main goalkeeper? And why was the Muslim goalkeeper made to look like a weirdo, as if he was a junkie waiting to for his drugs?

The Verdict: 1/5

Directed by Sameer Saxena, Jaadugar seemed like a TV crew’s attempt at filmmaking without any practice, experience, or desire. From the lead actor to the makers, everyone looked disinterested for some reason. It began as a comedy, turned into a sports film, and ended as a tragedy and in none of the scenarios was it impressive. If asked to explain the plot in one line, the audience will fail to do so, just like Meenu’s character did at football on screen.

It began well but then went downwards, and was so confusing that at one point I wanted to search the filmmaker on social media and ask him why he even bothered to make a sports film when he had no clue how to make one. Maybe they wanted to facilitate both the fans of fantasy and sports but in the end, they failed to impress both. For nearly three hours, I sat there, hoping that a twist would change the direction of the film, but in the end, it was the producers who ran out of tricks, just like their titular character who ran out of tricks. He didn’t know how to play football, and they didn’t know how to make a film!

In a world of pathetic attempts at making sports flicks, Netflix’s Jaadugar ranks as the worst!

Lady's Finger Lickin’ Good!

Okra reminds me one of the childhood stories passed on to us by our grandparents. The potato and okra, as the story goes, were best friends to each other until the potato proposed to the latter. The arrogant okra thought she was quite slim and smart compared to an unattractive, bulky potato and thus rejected the proposal right away. Doing so, okra also body-shamed him to an extent that he started crying his heart out. Feeling sorry for the poor potato, other vegetables made friends with him and since then the potato is mostly cooked and served in combination with other vegetables or meat, but the okra remains single.

Sometimes referred to as ‘lady's finger,’ okra is biologically classified as a fruit with a flowering plant with edible seed pods. It is best grown in warm climates of South Asia and Africa and consumed as a vegetable.

In Pakistan, the best time to sow the okra seeds is from January to March. Take a plastic cup which is filled with soil for more than half of its capacity. You can place 2 to 3 seeds on the soil and then cover it with a layer of soil. Water it very lightly just to make sure that it is wet enough and wait for the seedlings to grow.

Seeds are likely to sprout within a week of sowing. The reason for sowing more than one seed is that there are chances that not all may sprout. Similarly, if all or even two of the seeds sprout, we tend to remove the weaker ones. This process is called thinning, whereby we retain the strongest seedling only. The removed seedlings can be turned into compost.

By the second week, it is highly likely that the third or the true leaf of the seedling may have started to grow. You can now transplant this healthy seedling into a much bigger and permanent space to help it grow into a fully mature plant. A single okra plant requires an area of one square feet on the ground but in case of space limitation, a pot or a container of at least 10 inch diameter is needed for the plant to grow to its full size of more than 4-6 feet depending upon the variety.

Easily available nursery soil (bhal/bhalu mitti) can be used. You need to soften up the soil of the pot before beginning with the transplantation. You have to be very cautious while transplanting because it is a very delicate process.

Crushed egg shells, used tea leaves and dried banana peels are also added to the soil before transplanting to make sure that it has enough potassium content in it. After transplantation, plants tend to go in a state of shock with the new environment for a week or two, which may

The okra plant needs a sufficient amount of nitrogen, especially when the true leaf begins to grow. Decomposed cow manure is the cheapest source of nitrogen. You can cover the soil with one inch layer of the decomposed cow manure.

During the flowering and fruiting phase, you need to add potassium in place of nitrogen

a plastic cup which is

with soil for more than

2 to

can

result in slow growth of the plant. This can be avoided by directly sowing the seed in the larger pot or container. To retain water and keep the soil wet, mulch may also be added to the plant after transplanting.

Okra flow is aesthetically colourful with attractive shades of yellow and violet and is used in many cuisines. Okra flowers, for example, are used to garnish Caribbean Salads while adding colour to the healthy diet.

The okra plant needs a sufficient amount of nitrogen, especially when the true leaf begins to grow. Decomposed cow manure is the cheapest source of nitrogen. You can cover the soil with one inch layer of the decomposed cow manure. During the flowering and fruiting phase, you need to add potassium in place of nitrogen.

You are likely to begin your first harvest after two months of seeds germination. Make sure to harvest it when it is still chewy and soft and before it begins to turn hard and stout, because if a mature pod is left for one more night, it is believed that it turns woody in taste. You may leave an okra pod or two to grow on the plant until it turns brown and brittle at the end of the season. These pods will then provide you with the seeds that you can later grow in the next season.

From 5 to 7 okra plants, you can easily get 250gms of okra weekly during the harvesting season. The taste of freshly harvested, organic okra pods, cooked in local curry versions, is absolutely amazing. There are a number of okra varieties grown in Pakistan, and the most common examples include spineless, spine, green, white and red okra. Last but not least, one can employ one’s gardening endeavours and hone one’s skills with fewer resources and less expenditure along with numerous health benefits. Similarly, it is easy to learn how organic fertilizers, pesticides and cheap growing alternatives can be prepared at home with minimal effort. It is your time to start now!

The writer is a physician and avid traveller. He hosts a programme on a YouTube channel, DocTree, promoting organic farming in Pakistan. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@ hotmail.com

Take

filled

half of its capacity. You

place

3 seeds on the soil and then cover it with a layer of soil. Water it very lightly just to make sure that it is wet enough and wait for the seedlings to grow

Okra, best cultivated in tropical regions, can be easily grown at home

Know all about Leucorrhoea

Though certain old-age cures and home remedies may help limit the leucorrhoea instances, it is unlikely to absolutely cure some of the most common problems

Known to the layman as Leucorrhoea, the condition, which is medically termed as ‘Vaginal Discharge’, is a common problem experienced by almost all women. Leucorrhoea (or vaginal discharge) can begin as early as from the birth of a female child to any menstruating women, not to exclude those who are in or beyond menopause. The most common causes of leucorrhoea include menstrual cycles, infection of any genital organs, pregnancy, hormone imbalances or the presence of toxins in the body.

Simply put, leucorrhoea is a discharge which may vary in colour, odour, quantity and place of origin in the reproductive tract of the female. It is the body’s natural way to keep the vagina healthy and clean. Leucorrhoea is categorised into two major groups: Physiologic Leucorrhoea (normal) and Inflammatory Leucorrhoea (having some underlying issue or abnormality).

Normally, every woman regularly undergoes Physiologic Leucorrhoea which does not require any hospital visit or be a cause of concern. Nature has provided women with a mechanism in their vagina that tends to defend the vaginal tissue and maintains the internal chemical pH level in check. In response to increased oestrogen hormones, the vaginal discharge that takes place is odourless, clear mucus; the production of which is supposed to be 1 to 4 ml per day. These characteristics also provide for the distinguishing threshold for the females. If any of the aforementioned characteristic is anything different, then the vaginal discharge may not be considered to be Physiologic Leucorrhoea. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or white in colour and becomes yellowish on contact with air. The mucus originates from the vaginal wall, cervical glands and bacteria which inhabit the tract. Mostly a bacteria, known as Lactobacilli, are present with population of more than 95% of all the bacteria here. They tend to keep the environment acidic.

There are few types of normally occurring vaginal discharge. One of these occurs just after the birth of a female child, mainly due to the exposure of the child to mother’s oestrogen while inside her body for a 9-month period. It occurs for the just few days after birth to first couple of months and sometimes can be a cause of concern.

Tinged with blood, a vaginal discharge in pink may also serve as a source of myth and superstition for those who have no idea

of why the child is leaving behind pink discharge. In adolescent, girls after attaining puberty and at the beginning of the menses, undergo leucorrhoea, a normal condition for the first few months.

Normal Leucorrhoea also increases during the mid-cycle phase of menstruation due to increased mucus production from the cervix. Similarly, in pregnant women, there is physiological (read normal) increase in vaginal discharge just after few days of conception and also near or at the end of the pregnancy term. This is mostly due to the increased blood circulation to vagina and associated reproductive organs of the body. It may also occur in those women who opt for combined oral contraceptive pills.

On the other hand, if the leucorrhoea is foul or differently smelling, is of any colour other than clear mucus, the daily production is more than 4 to 5 ml, it results in painful sexual intercourse with one’s partner or even the condition is associated with some other symptoms like irritation or itching in the

adjoining areas, then it can be categorized as Inflammatory leucorrhoea. In this condition, one may need to immediately consult one’s doctor for further medical investigations, remedies and treatment, if prescribed.

Different characteristics of the vaginal discharge help the doctor to diagnose the probable cause of the inflammatory leucorrhoea. For instance, the colour can vary from clear (in some infections) to white, yellow, grey, brown, pink and green. Similarly, the smell of the discharge in inflammatory conditions can be yeasty, fishy or offensive. The consistency of this discharge can be thin like in Physiological Leucorrhoea to curdy and homogenous.

There may be difference in pH levels in different cases and there may be associated itching or soreness. While all of these symptoms may help the doctor to narrow down the probable causative organism responsible for leucorrhoea, however, these are mostly confirmed by microscopy and culture tests.

Urad Dal Ke Pakode Recipe

Fond of pakodas, then this delicious Dal pakoda is a must try. There's nothing better then relishing a delicious dal pakoda served with some piping hot tea. Urad Dal Ke Pakode is a perfect delight that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. In India, there are several variations of pakodas that you can find including Gobi Pakoda, Aloo Pakoda, Pyaaz Pakoda. This is an easy-to-make pakoda recipe which is prepared with urad dal (black lentil), onions, coriander leaves, sesame seeds, and a melange of

Ingredients

Tablespoon Split Black Gram

Handful Coriander Leaves

Onion

Teaspoon Cumin Powder

Salt As Required

Teaspoon Garam Masala Powder

Cup Sesame Seeds

Step 1: Grind the dal with rest of the ingredients

To start with, soak black lentil overnight in water. Next morning, drain out the water and in a grinder, grind dal in order to make a smooth paste. To this paste, add chopped onions, coriander leaves, chilies,cumin powder, garam masala and salt.

Step 2: Deep fry the pakodas and serve hot

Mix thoroughly. Make small balls using this mixture by applying a little water/oil on your palms. In a bowl full of sesame seeds, dip these balls and cover them completely with the seeds. Take a kadai, heat oil in it on medium flame and deep fry these balls. Transfer on a plate and serve hot with chutney or ketchup.

Vaginal Candidiasis, a common condition resulting in vaginal discharge, is caused by yeast or fungal organisms.

The classical presentation is with swelling, intense itching and soreness of vagina and vulva, curdy, cottage-cheese like, white colour, yeasty smelling discharge. Some patients also suffer from painful sexual intercourse. Certain risk factors to vaginal candidiasis include HIV, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapies, immunosuppression, increased oestrogen, pregnancy, high-dose combined oral contraceptive pills and a broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. Life-style factors like vaginal douching, tight clothing, tights, shower gels and bubble bath may predispose a woman to vaginal candidiasis.

The most common cause of abnormal vaginal discharge in women of childbearing age, however, is Bacterial Vaginosis, the condition commonly present in women with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and those undergoing elective pregnancy terminations. It may occur during menstruation and disappear spontaneously.

Lactobacillus gives way to the causative organisms including Gardnerella vaginalis and a few others that raise the overall pH as well. Offensive fishy smelling discharge, especially after the sexual intercourse, is one of the characteristic features of Bacterial Vaginosis. Pregnant women with this condition are at risk for miscarriage during the middle one-third of their pregnancy. Similarly, there are higher chances of delivering a baby before the end of the full term of nine months.

Trichomoniasis and Cervicitis (both caused by Chlamydia or Gonorrhea) also cause leucorrhoea with distinct features confirmed with further evaluations.

Trichomoniasis vaginalis is usually transferred from infected sexual partner. All the above mentioned inflammatory conditions may require anti-fungal or antibiotic treatment as prescribed by the doctor.

It is very important to get the inflammatory leucorrhoea treated, because if left untreated, the condition could lead to more severe complications like infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease. Certain old-age cures and home remedies along with lifestyle modifications may help limit the leucorrhoea instances, however, one should realize the fact that since menstruation is a repeating monthly cycle and also because a sexually active woman is likely to undergo different sexual routines, therefore, it is highly unlikely to absolutely ‘cure’ someone of leucorrhoea. It is bound to happen in different phases of menstruation; secondary to one’s hygiene practice along with one’s partner’s hygiene practice, general health and overall immunity.

Certain lifestyle modification, as shown below, may help the patients to decrease the frequency of inflammatory leucorrhoea:

Adherence to safe sex by using contraceptives in order to prevent

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) from happening, especially in case of multiple partners.

Better genital hygiene of self and the partner too.

Overall better general health, especially in case of people having diabetes mellitus or using immunosuppressive medicines like steroids.

Try to change undergarments, pads, swimming suits, tight trousers, etc., regularly, especially if one is sweaty or lives a hot and humid place.

• Keep a check on the washing material used for one’s cloths if it is irritating the genital area.

• Certain birth control contraceptives can cause irritation and should be replaced with other options.

• Tampons, bubble baths, douching, leaving genital area wet after bath or after using toilet should be avoided. -Ends

The writer is a physician and avid traveller. He hosts a programme on a YouTube channel, DocTree, promoting organic farming in Pakistan. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@hotmail.com

Aachari Mushroom

If you love eating mushrooms, then this is a tasty snack recipe that you must try! Aachari Mushroom is a delicious North Indian snack recipe that is easy to prepare and has a tangy and spicy mouth-watering taste. This recipe can be prepared anytime by following simple steps. Serve this scrumptious snack on occasions like kitty parties, buffet, pot luck, game nights and birthdays. It is an interesting recipe that you can make easily and enjoy it with your loved ones.

Ingredients

Mushroom Teaspoon Achari Masala

Teaspoon Salt

Onion (Green Pepper)

Tomato Teaspoon Turmeric

Teaspoon Vegetable Oil

Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

Step 1 Remove the stem from mushrooms and wash them well. Keep it aside.

Step 2 Cut onion, capsicum, and tomato into cubes.

Step 3 Take a bowl and put chopped onion, capsicum, and tomato cubes, and mushrooms. Then, add aachar masala, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, oil, and mix it well. Keep aside for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4 Take skewers, put one by one capsicum, onion, tomato, and mushroom, all into skewers. Repeat if necessary and keep the skewers ready.

Step 5 Switch on the stove and keep any sieve on it. Keep the flame low put ready skewers on it. Twist skewers so it can cook properly. Serve hot with mint chutney.

Maluma Colombia Fashion Week

Models present creations from the collection designed by Colombian singer Maluma for the clothing brand

Art and Adidas go together

A group of Dubai-based artists is turning the Adidas flagship store in Dubai into an art hotspot, showcasing the Emirati culture and art laced with the essence of Adidas shoes – all in one place

Taking the footwear world by storm yet again, Adidas has opened a new flagship store in the Dubai Mall, Dubai. Measuring 16,000 sq. ft., the store is the largest in the region and spearheads a new era of sports embedded in sustainable practices and futuristic athleisure.

Based on the new concept ‘Curated By’, the latest move by Adidas is chiefly aimed at incorporating the creativity of Dubai-based artists into shoe design and showcasing the Emirati culture and art as well as the essence and vision of Adidas as the world’s leading footwear brand. It also challenges the edges of inclusivity by bringing those women on board who have set out to express themselves in their own original way. Kudos for Iraqi creative director, producer and stylist, Zainab Hasoon and Lebanese photographer, Sophia Khalifeh for bringing this vision to life.

Creations being showcased in the store include the workings of henna artist

Dr. Azra Khamissa, artist Christopher Joshua Benton, graphic designer ‘Hessa Archives’ and sculptor Latifa Saeed, each offering a piece of their expertise, either to view in store or available to purchase at the Dubai Mall flagship store.

Christopher Joshua Benton

Currently based in the UAE, Christopher Joshua Benton is an American artist working in the fields of sculpture, photography and film production. His work revolves around the ideas of power, labour, and hope while working closely with communities and neighbourhoods in hopes of sharing their stories with the world. Drawing from the essence of his work, Christopher’s hand in the Adidas flagship store comes in the form of light sculptures that allow for a moment of nostalgia and escapism as one saunters through the storefront. Anchoring their massive sneaker wall are lightboxes illuminating the phrases like “I want to touch the sky”, “felt that blueness so light”, in English, and ones in Arabic that translate to “great opportunity” and “very best sports shop” in wonderful hues.

Hessa Archives

Hessa Archives is the brainchild of Hessa, an Emirati-born graphic designer and interior decoration expert, whose works, including the one for Adidas, speak for identity and individuality and celebrates all that her nation has to offer. Hessa had representation in mind when she designed the tote bag spelling the Arabic word marhaba across. She is also the only artist in the group that created a piece of art that shoppers could walk out of the store with, with every purchase they make since the launch of this campaign.

Dr. Azra Khamissa

Dr. Azra Khamissa, a chiropractor by education and henna artist by profession, took the world by storm a few years ago with her minimalist and modern henna designs. Adept in adorning hands and feet, she has now touched leather and is creating intricate patterns by using the same set of materials. Her mind-blowing creations can be found displayed in glass cases at the Dubai flagship store and are not available for purchase. However, as deceivingly perfect and straightforward they may look, working on leather although proved fun for the artist was actually quite a challenge that took a lot of practice before making it public.

Latifa Saeed

An Emarati visual artist, Latifa works mainly in installation, delving in the depths of material exploration and tying it together with cultural narratives to represent her roots and surrounding and the ever evolving nature of both. Her work is constantly inspired by the relationship between land, identity, society, and materiality. Roping in all these different factors, she has put together the beautiful blue braided that looks to be the softest velvet, positioned perfectly in the store for one to drop on after one cruises through the store or just visits for the perfect backdrop for one’s next Instagram picture.

Off-duty Style, Full-on Mode!

It’s easy to inspire when you are styled by professionals, however, there are some Pakistani celebrities who know how to turn heads even with their off-du -

Humayun Saeed

ty looks with their effortless charm and incredible fashion sense. If you are looking to upgrade your wardrobe and make your summer outfits more interesting, here is the style inspiration from some of our favourite celebrities when they are off-duty:

Sheheryar Munawar

Humayun Saeed has been ruling our hearts for over two decades now. The superstar shines off the sets as brightly as he does on the big screen with his charming personality and dapper looks. This off-duty look by Humayun Saeed wearing a cool khaki shirt with bright blue jeans is to die for.

Hania Aamir

Be it on the sets or in her living room, Mahira Khan slays 24/7 proving that she is, indeed, a superstar in its truest sense. The diva looks chic wearing front button high-waisted jeans and a white shirt paired with a cute yellow hat, a super stylish off-duty look that we often dream of.

Ayeza Khan

Let’s be honest, not everyone can nail the oversized t-shirt look but our very own Hania Aamir is surely an exception. Where the diva looks absolutely gorgeous in eastern ensembles put together by professionals, she also knows how to slay in day-to-day casual outfits with a little to no-makeup look. Hania can easily be considered the fashion icon for young girls and her Instagram feed tempts us to go shopping right away!

Ayeza Khan put together this stunning look with a pair of fitted leather pants and white shirt. Accessorized with a gold necklace and black pencil heels, she turned this simple outfit into a drool-worthy glamorous ensemble.

Saba Qamar

Wearing your comfy tee with black tights and the zip-up jacket is the look we long for after a tiring week. With her hair on fleek, Saba Qamar slays this casual yet stylish look without much effort, giving us major fashion goals.

Feroze Khan

If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest men’s fashion and style trends, we recommend you to follow Feroze Khan on Instagram. Not only that he knows how to nail his professional photoshoots, the Khaani star looks dapper in his casual photos as well. Feroze recently shared his vacation pictures and oh boy, he looked effortlessly handsome wearing a white tee and blue jeans paired with white sneakers. With a breathtaking view in the background, the actor did not have to do much to nail this cool vacation look!

Adnan Siddiqui

Age is just a number and Adnan Siddiqui is proving it right! The veteran actor is still at the top of the ladder when it comes to men’s fashion trends. Not just that he looks dashing in a formal three-piece suit, but Adnan has, time and again, left us mesmerized with his off-duty looks without putting any effort into styling and accessories. Here is his recent photograph from his visit to Dunure Castle in the UK as he posed in front of a gorgeous view wearing a black tracking suit.

Sajal Aly

You can never go wrong with an all-black outfit and Sheheryar Munawar wearing a plain black shalwar suit is an example of that. The actor looked jaw-dropping handsome in this casual look that he posted on Instagram, proving that all you need is confidence and a bit of hairstyling to make any outfit mind-blowing.

Zara Noor Abbas

Sometimes it's all about how good you are at matching separates. Adored by many for her delicate features and top-notch fashion sense, Zara Noor Abbas also knows how to nail her everyday look. The diva paired this beautiful bright green skirt with a simple white tank and opened button-down shirt to bless our feeds with this gorgeous vacation ensemble.

Armeena Khan

When it comes to style, Armeena Khan is in a league of her own. Be it Western or Eastern, Armeena knows how to slay in every outfit. At the same time, no one can look as breathtaking as her even with messy hair, and no makeup wearing this cute fitted zip-up jacket. These Pakistani celebrities surely know how to up the fashion game each time they step out with minimal effort. When we have these fashion icons in our entertainment industry, we don’t need to look beyond the borders to upgrade our wardrobes and get inspiration for our day-to-day look

Fahad Mustafa

You can count on Fahad Mustafa when it comes to stellar performance, top-notch films, classic humour, and of course, an incredible fashion sense. Even when he is not surrounded by lights and camera, the multi-talented star knows how to look classy in an everyday look.

Sajal Aly was recently on a trip to Qatar where she was spotted enjoying herself on the streets of Doha. From flaunting a cute white outfit to wearing an oversized hoodie with jeans, Sajal looked ravishing in these outfits that are simple yet fashionable. And oh boy, her effortless hairstyle with face-shaping bangs and layered wavy hair made her look even more desirable.

These Pakistani celebrities surely know how to up the fashion game with minimal effort. When we have these fashion icons in our entertainment industry, we don’t need to look beyond the borders to upgrade our wardrobes and get inspiration for our day-to-day look.

Whether on duty or off-the-job, Pakistani celebrities know how to up the fashion game each time they step out

Nazia Hassan - Melody never dies!

Though the pop icon is no more with us, she will always be alive through her melodious songs and lilting music

She came, she sang, she conquered. In the early 1980s, no one else could hit the pop charts with her maiden song, as was done by Nazia Hassan, a telegenic pop singer with a mezzo-soprano but refreshing voice with immersive vocal effects. It took her debut song, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi May Aye,’ featured in Zeenat Aman-starrer Indian film ‘Qurbani,’ which propelled Nazia Hassan to the limelight straight off, both in India and Pakistan. Though ‘Qurbani,’ directed and starred by Indian actor Feroz Khan suffered the most in terms of its box office collections, the film gave rise to Nazia Hassan, who became a chartbuster in a trice and continued to stay at the top of the pop music scene in the South Asian as long as she was alive and kicking. Her debut song, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi Meri Zindagi May Aye,’ which was composed by British Indian producer Biddu, was no more of an item number picturised on Zeenat Aman for the film. However, it turned out to be a massive hit and galvanised the Indian film industry into leaping on the pop bandwagon.

With over a million sales across India, the ‘Qurbani’ album went Platinum within just seven months, setting a record for the Indian music industry at the time. The song also won Nazia, despite her Pakistani origins, the India’s premier Filmfare Award for the ‘Best Female Playback Singer’ in 1981. In so doing, she, at the tender age of 15, set the record of being the youngest as well as the first-ever foreign recipient of the award.

Oddly enough, Michael Jackson’s new album "Thriller" was launched in 1982 with much fanfare and splendour, and he was named the ‘King of Pop’ right after the album’s release, Nazia Hassan was called the ‘Queen of Pop’ in the subcontinent.

From the word go, Nazia Hassan’s rise to stardom was phenomenal. Her debut music album, ‘Disco Deewane,’ composed by Biddu and released in 1981, was a huge success at home and abroad, both monetarily and musically. In India, it sold about 100,000 records albums within a day of its release in Bombay (Mumbai) alone, went Platinum within three weeks, and also became Double-Platinum in such a short time. It was also the first South Asian pop album to top the charts in Brazil, while also becoming a hit in Russia, South Africa, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia,

The fourth album, ‘Hotline,’ released in 1987, comprised all the most popular songs of that time such as ‘Aa Haan’, ‘Hum Aur Tum’, ‘Paisa Paisa’ and ‘Telephone Pyar’. Released in 1992, their fifth as well as the last album titled ‘Camera Camera’ failed to make its presence felt and soon Nazia officially called it a day as she wanted to focus more on her personal life than music

Kingdom, the United States and the West Indies. Nazia Hassan’s second album ‘Boom ,’ released in 1982, was taken well by the audiences in India and Pakistan and, Young Tarang,’ her third album, set the trend of music videos in Pakistan with a record sale of over 40 million copies.

Hit numbers of the video like ‘Ankhen Milaney Waley’, ‘Zara Chehra’ and Dum Dum Dee Dee’ became the most popular songs among the South East Asia’s mainstream audiences as well as Indian and Pakistani diaspora in many countries.

The fourth album, ‘Hotline,’ released in 1987, comprised all the most popular songs of that time such as ‘Aa Haan’, ‘Hum Aur Tum’, Paisa Paisa’ and ‘Telephone Pyar’. Released in 1992, their fifth as well as the last album titled ‘Camera Camera’ failed to make its presence felt and soon Nazia officially called it a day as she wanted to focus more on her personal life than music. While talking about Nazia, one cannot forget the role of her brother, Zoheb Hassan was an accomplished singer by himself and had always remained an integral part of her sister’s singing career. His mellifluous voice matched so well with Nazia’s voice that they could easily perform together.

On a personal note, interviewing a top celebrity of her time like Nazia Hassan was indeed a memorable experience for this scribe as I found her a deeply knowledgeable person who understood the art of diplomacy well. Had she been alive she could have become the most successful brand ambassador for Pakistan too.

According to her medical report, Nazia underwent an operation in 1995 after being diagnosed with stage one ovarian carcinoma and at end of 1998, her left lung was found with 'a solitary deposit' of carcinoma. In

August, 2002, she lost the battle against lung cancer at the age of 35.When I went to interview her at her home at the KDA Scheme 1 in Karachi, I was received by her mother Muneeza Baseer, who informed me that Nazia had gone for chemotherapy and thus would not be in a position to talk. However, she sat down with me to discuss her daughter’s plans for the future. After about half an hour, Nazia entered the room, looked at me and asked, “How long you guys have been waiting for me?” In place of taking a break to refresh herself, she sat down for the interview. Speaking in a soft and measured voice, I found her a confident and composed lady, though she

Quite an accomplished singer, Nazia was also a lawyer and political analyst. She was a top graduate from the well-reputed Richmond, The American International University and the University of London. According to the media reports, his brother Zoheb Hassan, who was with her sister in her last days, spoke candidly about her final days, which were replete with agony and pain

otherwise looked frail, probably because of the chemotherapy session she had earlier had before the interview. She was pretty much excited when talking about her best of times, particularly her two years spent working for the United Nations Security Council at the UN Headquarters. During that period, she worked with Dr. Henry Kissinger, a former Secretary of the United State of America. She looked very excited when describing her experience with Dr. Kissinger because of his big impact on the world history. After completing her two-year term at the UN, she was appointed as the cultural ambassador of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Her social and academic excellence also won her a scholarship in Columbia University’s Leadership Programme, but she could not avail the opportunity owing to her depleting health conditions.

Quite an accomplished singer, Nazia was also a lawyer and political analyst. She was a top graduate from the wellreputed Richmond, The American International University and the University of London. According to the media reports, his brother Zoheb Hassan, who was with her sister in her last days, spoke candidly about her final days, which were replete with agony and pain. In one of the interviews, he tearfully declared, “She never told me she was going to die so soon. I will never forgive her for this.” The turbulence of her failing marriage along with the last few days of her enduring pain was unveiled to her family, mainly after her death. Though Nazia Hassan is no more with us, she will always be alive through her lilting music and silvery songs, filled with melody and rhythm. The bells toll for everyone, however, the melody never dies.

Raise a glass of ‘Detox Drink’ and say cheers!

The road to detoxification is paved by a well-determined proscription of unhealthy behaviour along with the prevention of anything deleterious that tastes finger-lickin’ good

Detox, quite a small but meaningful term, infers a sustainable way to improve one's health without undermining one's physical and mental well-being even for a shorter period of time. Much more than a magic phrase, detox is an irrefutable way of living a healthy lifestyle without masquerading as being healthy merely to win people’s acclaim or barring flaunting one's six-pack figure to the detriment of one's long-term well-being. In short, the road to detoxification is paved by a well-determined proscription of unhealthy behaviour along with the prevention of anything unhealthy

that tastes finger lickin' good for the moment but is harmful to one’s health in the long run. What it takes to be on a detoxing spree is to stop taking harmful and unhealthy foods and rinks into one's body for a specific period of time as a minimum and in principle as a standard norm to be driven by perseverance and purpose, come what may. Let one’s body feel more refreshed and invigorated by consuming homemade detox drinks and beverages, based on water with fruit, vegetables, herbs and the rest of the other natural ingredients to help one’s body remove and flush out toxins, a poisonous substance caused by bacteria, from the body’s system. Drinking detox water and beverages at regular intervals helps in protecting

Here are some of the detox drinks that are worth every sip:

1) Beetroot juice

Dietary nitrates are abundant in beets and lead to improved exercise performance, lower blood pressure, and increases healthy blood flow. Besides being beneficial for one’s weight loss goals, this ultra-fresh detox drink may also contain ginger, carrots, apple, lemon, and coconut water, which help in boosting electrolytes and keep one’s vitamin levels high to keep one’s food cravings under control.

the human body from catching infections, particularly in winter and it overall boosts energy, cleanses liver, inhibits fat digestion, reduces inflammation, and improves skin health in general. It also protects the body from developing a litany of health issues, such as digestive disorders, bloating, nausea and skin problems as well as general body weakness.

Considered the most powerful mantra for good health, detox drinks are becoming a new fad among gym junkies and fitness enthusiasts. A perfect detox drink is made by mixing water or tea with different herbs, spices, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Other than offering the best protection against toxicity and health problems, detox drinks support liver function, improve skin health and are also ideal for weight loss.

3) Watermelon-mint water

Using watermelon-mint water is beneficial when it comes to losing weight, bringing down blood pressure, and lowering the BMI (body mass index). Infuse water with mint leaves and chunks of watermelon, lemon, and ginger overnight or for a couple of hours and have delicious detox water that is incredibly hydrating as well.

Abundant with vitamin C, lemons keep one’s immune system strong while cucumbers reduce inflammation. Taking a cucumber lemonade helps one feel more energized, less swollen (if bloating is caused by inflammation) as well as more hydrated. Blended chunks of cucumber add a refreshing crispness to this lemonade while the use of raw honey along with freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water, puts in a much-needed sweetness.

Since ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can be used to reduce general swelling, soothe swollen joints, prevent several infections and diseases, and may also help in strengthening the immune system. What you all need is a lemon, an ounce of ginger root, and a litre of water to make the most refreshing ginger lemon drink.

4) Detox water for clear skin

In general, drinking water in a sufficient quantity helps in treating acne because hydration is essential for the skin's natural detoxification. To make detox water for the skin, have some water and mint leaves with chunks of cucumber and lemon, mix all the ingredients in a pitcher or glass jar and let them steep in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours.

The antibacterial effects of apple cider vinegar (ACV), together with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, may help fight against different kinds of infections. Lemon juice helps in the natural detoxification process of kidneys and may also lower the risk of kidney stones, says the research. All you need to prepare this healthy drink is to have some apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, turmeric, honey, and cayenne pepper and then mix them together well to up the nutritional level before pouring the drink into your mouth.

Having whole foods aplenty, a detox smoothie is enriched with multiple vitamins and micronutrients to support the natural detoxification processes of the human body. It is made by simply blending spinach, cilantro, ginger, pineapple, banana, lime juice and apple.

Despite little evidence that detox drinks remove toxins from the body or may help lose weight, they still can be a good way to stay hydrated. Drinking these drinks, based on fruits, vegetables, and loads of fibre-rich foods, could ideally be the healthiest approach to maintaining a disease-free health sate. Just raise a glass of detox

The evolution of popular film quotes

If

Ever since the first ‘talkie’ was released in Hollywood in 1928, filmmakers have been trying to attract the audience through breathtaking action sequences, sizzling romantic scenes and mindboggling stories. However, one factor that has been common in making films famous has been the quotes that have the tendency to become part of pop culture, after they attain cult classic status.

With the release of Lightyear, which explains the evolution of ‘to infinity and beyond’, we decided to explore the evolution of movie quotes that have stuck in the audience’s mind. Some of them have been used in ‘other’ films as well, while some continue to be famous for their freshness and ability to stay relevant. These movie quotes are now known to all those Hollywood fanatics who live, watch, and breathe films, and some of them might even intrigue you to watch the film they were part of. Read on:

Before the 1970s!

From 1928 till 1969, the filmmaking business was in its infancy stage; first, there were the black and white films, followed by the ‘selected’ coloured films that later pushed black and white aside. Then there came the technological advances that saw directors attempt at every genre possible, including action, drama, thriller, sci-fi, and romance. But before the 1970s, the most popular film quotes were those that resonated with the audience and not the changing times. Clark Gable’s "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." from Gone with the Wind remains the most memorable quote of all time because of its perfect timing in the film, and ability to be used anywhere, anytime. Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane made “Rosebud” so popular that it was even used in an episode of the detective series Columbo as a ‘murder weapon’.

Similarly, “There’s no place like home.” from The Wizard of Oz and ‘Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time goes By.' from Casablanca have their own fan base because they represent the 1930s and the 1940s well. Marlon Brando’s "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender." from On the Waterfront used to be every loser’s line who blamed others for their failures, while Humphrey Bogart’s "The stuff that dreams are made of." from The Maltese Falcon represents all those things that are too good to be true.

As the world grew accustomed to films, the quotes became shorter, and if “Bond, James Bond.” from Dr. No and “They call me Mister Tibbs.” from In the Heat of the Night survive after 50 years, it's because Sean Connery and Sydney Poitier gave these quotes all they had so that they could remain popular even after their deaths six decades later.

The swinging 70s to the electrifying 80s

Everything changed in the 1970s, the decade that saw the dawn of a new beginning. Earthlings were able to reach the moon, the United States was on its way to recovering from the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., and technology was taking over. On the entertainment front, Westerns were being replaced by cop films, sci-fi flicks, and action films where anything was possible. Even then, it was Marlon Brando who kicked the 70s with "I'm going to make

him an offer he can't

refuse." from Godfather, where he laid down the template of ‘how to play a gangster’. Clint Eastwood wasn’t far behind with his own template of Angry Young Cop in Dirty Harry where his “I know what you are thinking.’ dialogue

Enter the underworld

With modern tech-

nology, new advancements and inventions have been rolled out at an unprecedented pace. A few years back, we were talking about mobility as the new era of technology, but things have changed rapidly. Today, we talk about Web3, which is the new face of the internet. From smart contracts, cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and the bigger concept of Web3 to digital art, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, NFTs, the Metaverse and lots more, it is all about swift evolutions in technology. Given that every new invention, as a rule, brings its pros, let's see Web3 in this connection:

AI-Driven tech revolutionising conventional industries

Last but not least, Web3 is the most advanced form of internet and is based on technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Symantec Data. With the power of machine learning, Web3 has undoubtedly revolutionised many conventional areas. Take a look at the following top highlighted segments:

Art: With blockchain technology and virtual reality, the field of art has acquired a new definition.

Creative artists now have a whole new horizon to conquer and explore. This third age of the internet demands 3D artists who can cre-

became so iconic that people still quote it, be it in Jim Carrey’s The Mask or Shah Rukh Khan’s Duplicate. Steven Spielberg’s Jaws made the audience scream before Roy Scheider’s character discovers the shark and tells his boat mates that "You're gonna need a bigger boat."

is one of the highest grossing films 36 years later in 2022! If you still want to go down memory lane, think of Danny Glover who was just 41 years old when he told his character Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon that ‘I’m too old for this shit!'

From the 90s and beyond …

Although the United States was involved in the Gulf War in the 1990s, the filmmakers kept the audience busy by delivering films that catered to their varied tastes. Carrying on from the 1980s, they kept the tradition of giving memorable one-liners like Arnold Schwarzenegger’s “Come with me if you want to live.” and “Hasta la vista, Baby!” from Terminator 2: Judgment Day or Jack Nicholson’s "You can't handle the truth!" from A Few Good Men, when he was asked whether his character gave orders to kill a soldier in his command.

Old school action films in the 70s and the 80s saw the protagonist ask questions like “You talkin’ to me?” as Robert De Niro did in Taxi Driver, exclaim "Say hello to my little friend!" like Al Pacino in Scarface or invite bad guys to try, in Clint Eastwood’s signature style, "Go ahead, make my day.", a line that was first used in Sudden Impact but later used by President Ronald Regan in his re-election campaign, which he won. On the other hand, there were sci-fi flicks that merged science and dialogs so well that nobody dared to forget them. After all, who in his right mind would not cheer at Star Wars classic line "May the Force be with you." or Arnold Schwarzenegger’s "I'll be back." from The Terminator series that debuted in the 1980s. Similarly, Christopher Lloyd’s "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads." from Back to the Future is still relevant despite the audience flying past 2015, the year in which he showed us that we will be driving around in flying cars! And then there was Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards’ "I feel the need. The need for speed!" from Top Gun the sequel of which

Tom Hanks wasn’t far behind as the low-IQ Forrest Gump who delivered memorable quotes led by “Mama Always Said, Life Was Like a Box of Chocolates. You Never Know What You're Gonna Get.'” whereas Tom Cruise continued his box office run with Jerry Maguire by shouting "Show me the money!" at the top of his lungs. No one, however, can match the longevity of Leonardo DiCaprio’s cry "I'm the king of the world!" in Titanic or Jack Nicholson’s "You make me want to be a better man." from As Good as It Gets. Had the meme factory been active at the end of the previous century, Hugo Weaving’s “Hello Mr. Anderson.” from The Matrix might have been the most famous line to be made into a meme, but then, the same could be said about "I see dead people." from The Sixth Sense which made the audience aware of what they now know as the ‘twist in the tale.’ Even the arrival of the new millennium wasn’t able to stop Hollywood from delivering memorable quotes that are still being used in films, TV shows or in real life. It was great to see a new variation of “With great powers come great responsibility.” from the first Spider-Man into the latest Spider-Man: No Way Home while the line “I am Iron Man.” which kick-started the Marvel Cinematic Universe is what saved the world in Avengers: Endgame more than a decade later. Similarly, Captain America’s “I could do this all day.” from Captain America: The First Avenger to Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Endgame remains one of the most popular quotes to this day because it connected with the audience in such a way that no other dialogue did. Heath Ledger may have died before the release of The Dark Knight but his "Why so serious?" keeps his legacy alive because of the way it was delivered back in the day. And finally, something about a threat, that still gives goosebumps to bad guys all over the world, because Liam Neeson’s Angry Old Man in Taken delivered it so convincingly that no one wants to end up on his bad side.

All he did was tell the villain – over the phone – that he should consider leaving his daughter alone, but since they didn’t listen to him seriously, he had to tell them this: "If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." And he killed the competition with this line, in such a way that Taken spawned two sequels and many inspired versions where the protagonist tries to threaten the kidnappers, but no one comes close to ‘Mr. Neeson, Liam Neeson!’

ate digital art pieces and graphics for it in the form of NFTs. Crypto companies are introducing new and unique ideas. The most inspiring one is the latest offer made by Sustain .Exchange for selling Horse NFTs with real Horses.

Music: Next to art, music is also considered one of those industries that are highly inspired by the concept of Web3. The world has already witnessed sales of famous music albums and collections sold as NFTs in exchange for millions of dollars.

Gaming: From consoles and cyber gaming to mobile and virtual gaming, the gaming industry has been rapidly transformed. Now in the age of Web3, the industry has got new dynamics with blockchain and immersive reality.

DeFi: Decentralised Finance, shortened as DeFi, is one of the most distinctive segments within the Web3 world. It has dramatically revolutionised the traditional concepts and practices of money and finance and has introduced new avenues like decentralised exchanges, offering a peer-to-peer marketplace for online transactions, trading, and financing.

Fashion: The fashion industry has also gained huge influence from Web3. Countless celebrities and fashion designers suddenly jumped into the world of NFTs and Metaverse in their quest to gain a competitive edge. This has now given rise to a whole new industry of hybrid fashion based on blockchain.

you thought that ‘To infinity and beyond’ was a classic film quote, then ‘you’re gonna need a bigger boat!’

The demand for Web3 is continually rising and one must know the potential risks and challenges associated with this new technology

‘Junction’ ready to hit the cinema screens

Starring Affan Waheed and Ushna Shah in lead roles, the short film ‘Junction’ is hitting the cinemas on July 29. Written by Radain Shah and directed by Mohsin Talat, ‘Junction’ is presented by SeePrime, a digital entertainment platform. Based on the 1947 Partition of the Subcontinent into India and Pakistan, the film Junction’ narrates a betwixt-and-between love story that remains unfulfilled but keeps weaving itself in the thick of blood-stained migration, mass slaughter, brutal rapes and the rest of the flagrant crimes against humanity that were committed en masse on both sides of the border. The Parizaad actress, Ushna Shah took to her Instagram and wrote “I cried when I read this beautiful script and that’s a first”. The actress is who is now ready to bowl over her fans in quite a different role she has ever played.

Shoaib Akhtar’s biopic ‘Rawalpindi Express’

‘London Nahe Jaunga’ beats ‘Shamshera’

London Nahi Jaunga,’ directed by Nadeem Baig and written by Khalil-urRehman, continues to be the audience’s favourite film for the third consecutive week since its launch in the UK, beating the multi-starrer Indian film ‘Shamshera’ that was also released in July worldwide. Featuring Humayun Saeed, Mehwish Hayat and Kubra Khan in lead roles, ‘London Nahi Jaunga’ has been doing a good business in the international market, as its numbers are exceeding Shamshera, a much-touted Indian film with a star-studded cast including Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt. ‘London Nahi Jaunga’, according to the UK Box office reports, hit about £46,710 in its 3rd-week vis-à-vis a sum of £43,688 collected by Shamshera in its 1st week of release. LNJ hit the top 10 films in the UK box office in the first week of release and has also become the highest-grossing Pakistani film in Australia.

Lightyear

Lightyear is not the origin story of Andy Davis’s toy; it is the film about the Space Ranger who inspired the creation of the toy

A biopic titled "Rawalpindi Express – Running against the Odds" is being filmed on the life of Shoaib Akhtar, Pakistan’s former fast bowler known for his brutal pace, aggression on the field and various controversies he found himself embroiled in throughout his career. As recently revealed by the former cricketer on social media, the film, which is currently under production, will feature some never-seen-before facts from his life in general and cricketing career in particular. Known by the Pakistan cricket fraternity as ‘Rawalpindi Express’, Shoaib Akhter shared a motion poster of the film on his Instagram and Twitter accounts. Directed by Faraz Qaiser and produced by Q Film Production, "Rawalpindi Express – Running against the Odds" happens to be the first ever international film to be made on the life of a Pakistani cricketer.

What does ‘To infinity and beyond’ mean to an average person who grew up in the 1990s? Everything!

If you are that ‘average’ person, then Lightyear is the film that you had been waiting for all your life. The opening cards explain to the uninitiated that the film is based on the character who inspired the toy in Andy’s room in Toy Story. And if your taste is anything like Andy’s, you will love the film as much as he did, because it has everything a Space Ranger’s adventure must have.

The Plot

Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) is a stubborn, overconfident but caring space ranger in Star Command, who ac-

cidentally damages the hyperdrive system of his exploration vessel while escaping an uncharted planet. In an attempt to correct his mistake, he volunteers to pilot the flight that tests the hyperspace fuel, but on his return from the first four-minute unsuccessful flight, he learns that his team aged four years in the process. After more than a dozen such flights, his robotic feline Sox (Peter Sohn) cracks the fuel’s composition, and they manage to obtain the desired speed, but by then, his friends are gone, and his superiors have changed.

Add to the scenario a mysterious Evil Emperor Zurg, his robots and the members of the colony’s defense forces, including the granddaughter of Buzz’s former partner Alisha, Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer) and Buzz has a team to bank on. After he agrees to become a part of their plan to attack Zurg’s ship, he finds out that Izzy, the cowardly Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi), and the ‘explosive’ parolee Darby Steel (Dale Soules) are not what they seem. Thus, he decides to go solo and complete the mission but does he succeed or does he fail, that’s the question which is answered as the story progresses.

The Good Lightyear might not seem like the topstuff Pixar production but has the soul of a Disney classic, which is further confirmed by Michael Giacchino’s excellent soundtrack. Keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout its run, the intergalactic action-adventure is not only engaging but thrilling from the word go. .

The choice of using Chris Evans as Buzz initially wasn’t accepted but since Evans brings his own touch to the character, he ends up doing a marvellous job.

Director Angus MacLane and his co-writer Jason Headley did an outstanding work as well to produce a space movie that might have existed when Andy was growing up, before the events of the first Toy Story. Inspiration from space movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Wars, and Avatar to classics like Groundhog Day can be found in this flick where there is an irritating AI named I.V.A.N., a robotic cat serving as a useful sidekick, a flawed hero seeking redemption and volunteers wanting to prove themselves. Villains with secrets were icing on the cake, and combine all that and you have a winner on your hand.

The characters used to assist Lightyear must be mentioned here for they are capable of having their own spin-off series in the future, especially Sox, who is not as cheeky as Guardians of the Galaxy’s Rocket the Raccoon or Shrek’s Puss in Boots, but very integral to the plot. At times he is a cat and at times a sidekick that can ‘buy you five minutes', as well as help you save the universe without making a huge deal out of it. The same goes for the trio that came up with the ‘surprise party’ plan; despite not even being rookies, they managed to stand up against the mighty Zurg and helped Lightyear become the superhero that Andy worshipped later on.

The Bad

Despite looking more like an elaborate version of Interstellar, the makers manage to do a good job with the storyline, however, they forgot that they were supposed to be in the 90s, than in the current era. The animation style was progressive and the treatment was modern, which might have been done since the movie was released in 2022.

However, for an average kid, the connection between this film and the Toy Story franchise would be hard to understand, especially since both the ‘Buzz Lightyears’ are voiced by different actors. It would have been great had Tim Allen been there in some capacity so that the viewers could have easily related to the switch. It could have been in the form of post-credit scene or as a narrator, but then the makers know best.

The film though was in the news for another reason; it was banned in most countries because of the presence of two female characters as partners, who even exchange a kiss during the film. The scene could have been avoided since it didn’t involve the protagonist but the studio refused to edit it, which is strange considering Disney has always stayed clean for kids. Their ‘stand’ irked the relevant authorities in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia who banned the film instead. .

The Verdict – 3.5/5

Lightyear is not just a spin-off, it’s a prequel too that sends every Toy Story fan on a nostalgic trip. For those who have no inclination toward the franchise, it will serve as an exciting standalone story that ticks every box on the checklist. It has emotional moments that will make you teary-eyed, feature catchphrases that have already become part of folklore, and teach you lessons only life can teach. The movie is all about rediscovering yourself and knowing your priorities. It also tells the audience that regret and guilt are part of life and if you know in your heart that you are doing the right thing, that’s what matters the most. Through the titular character, one can see that ‘completing the mission’ is not the mission but enjoying life is, and if one doesn’t have time to love, that means they don’t have the time to live. The story is entertaining and the same could be said of the lessons it teaches without being preachy. It tells the viewers no matter how young or old that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them, and that one shouldn’t feel down after one mistake, because the lesson learned from it can take you ‘to infinity and beyond'.