MUMBAI: Thanks to his irrepressible sense of humour, Shah Rukh Khan comes across as an easy going person. But in real life the Bollywood star is little different and one of the things he is extremely finicky about is his socks.

“I have a strange attachment to socks. They should feel right. I could be missing a flight, but if my socks are wrong, I have to take them off… I won’t wear nylon socks with sneakers. The only time I get disturbed during shooting is over my socks. I hate brown socks and different-coloured socks,” said Shah Rukh said in an interview to a magazine.

In the interview, the 44-year-old also talked about his loneliness. “I can come across as a user, manipulator, disinterested, weird, reclusive, strange, arrogant from the outside. But the people involved know the truth…there are days I feel lonely on the inside. I guess that’s the way I am. I’ve never gotten into relationships because I’m scared to. I have a shield. I’ve lost my parents, so now I don’t like to lose relationships. I have to admit that at 44 I am socially and emotionally inept,” said Shah Rukh.

Roll-On The Weekend

If, like us, you're feeling more than a little jaded by this point in the week/month/year, you'll be as pleased as we were to discover this new little dark circle-eradicating eye gem. Remember Garnier's excellent Eye Roll-On, which just happens to be the UK's no.1 selling eye product? Well as of this week there's now a new version available from Boots and – fabulously - it's tinted. So as well as containing the same best-selling eye-rejuvenating skin care ingredients, it conceals dark circles at the same time. Only available in two shades so far (a darker one wouldn't go amiss Garnier!) but definitely a keeper.

Now Priyanka & Ranbir with Sylvester Stallone

After Kareena, now another Bollywood beauty, Priyanka Chopra will meet with the Hollywood’s Rocky-Rambo superstar Sylvester Stallone.

Not only Priyanka Chopra but the hottest Ranbir Kapoor will also enjoy this activity, along with their Producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The Bollywood’s team is actually in the U.S. these days, to shoot their new movie "Anjaana Anjaani". Before this, Sajid Nadiadwala produced the movie "Kambakkht Ishq" in New York having Sylvester Stallone in it. In this way the producer is now having good terms with the superstar Sylvester Stallone.

For Ranbir Kapoor, this is his first trip to shoot a movie out of India, so he is enjoying a lot; both Priyanka & Ranbir seems to be very happy together. Ranbir Kapoor, remained be a big Stallone fan and still owns a series of Rocky t-shirts. The film’s team will probably meet Sylvester Stallone on the 4th or 5th of February.

Tehmina Bokhari - Mrs. Pakistani World 2010

TEHMINA BOKHARI , the 4th woman in history to be crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2010 was selected in Toronto, Canada. The pageant that started just a few years ago is now focused on finding role models for representing married women of Pakistan in a new and bold way.
Tahmena Bokhari is a College professor, social worker, consultant to governments and organizations, public speaker and writer. She has over a decade’s experience working with governments, community organizations, and academic institutions and various diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area and around the world.

1. How does it feel to have a title like Mrs. Pakistan World?

I feel very honoured to be the 4th woman in history to win this title. I feel quite privileged to be among the women in the pageant who are beautiful, educated and who are really showcasing to the world how amazing Pakistani women are. Now, it is certainly very exciting to think of the year ahead.

2. What are your plans now that you have this new identity?

I am looking forward to working with the various people in the community at , photoshoots, and public speaking engagements. I am a living example of a PAKISTANI WOMEN balancing career, family, pageants, culture and hobbies, and I want to talk to women everywhere about this careful juggling act we perform on a daily basis. I also want to discuss larger issues with those who are ready to make positive change.
I also want to address what may appear to be a contradiction, a dedicated social worker and feminist in a pageant. Yes, that is me, who would have thought?
For me personally, this is an opportunity to raise awareness on some very important issues that I have already spent over a decade working on. These include social causes such as violence against women, the image of Pakistanis in the media and the global status of Pakistan. When I meet people is when I get asked questions and we begin conversations, conversations from which I hope to leave people with something new, inspiring and positive that they take back to their own lives.
I have already had women coming up to me to ask how I do this. They are often surprised to hear that I am also a professor and a consultant with a very active family life. And this is where the wonderful conversation starts about the possibilities for women that exist out there.

3. Pakistan's pageant industry has developed since the last 8 years. The married section still needs a huge push. What change will you bring?

Yes, as mentioned I am the 4th woman in history to hold this international title. That is a success for the pageant but also an indication of how much further we have to go in the pageant industry where other international pageants for married women have been running for many more years. We certainly need more women from our community taking up this opportunity.
I hope during my reign to showcase specifically to Pakistani women that this title can be a platform for you to have a voice in the international arena, for whatever your passions in life may be. I hope to stay true to my roots and make the community proud through the work I can do with this title. I also want to say that I hardly saw myself as a beauty queen, as the majority of my life was focused in other areas, and I think I am changing the perception people, both Pakistanis and non-Pakistanis, may have of what a ‘beauty queen’ is. I think the average woman can relate to me in this way. With all of this that I bring, I hope to promote this title, raise awareness on the possibilities out there for married Pakistani women, and to encourage women to dream big.

4. What international pageants are you planning to enter?

I am looking forward to representing Pakistan on an international platform at the various pageants out there for married women such as Mrs. World and Mrs. Earth.

5. How will entering into the international pageant indusrty give a push to Mrs. Pakistan?

I think that representation in international pageants is important for Pakistan as a whole, and certainly for married Pakistani women. What does the world currently know about Pakistani women? What are the general misconceptions out there about us? When you think of beauty, do Pakistani women come to mind? How do the international media define Pakistani women for us? All of these are questions of which the answers to which we have an opportunity to shape by participating in international pageants.
It is also important to understand that pageantry is an industry like any other, show business, acting, modeling, fashion, even politics, with its own guidelines and culture. It is an area Pakistani women have traditionally not entered, so why should Pakistani women be left out of this when Pakistanis are moving forward in so many other fields, such as politics, law, fashion and so on?

6. As a Pakistani, and a moderate one, what is your message to the world about Paksitan?

Hmmmm, I am not sure what moderate Pakistani means, although I can understand what a moderate Muslim may mean.

7. Where would you like to see the Pakistan pageant industry go in the near future especially for married women?

Well I would love to see more women join this industry and represent Pakistan on an international scale.

8. Any advice to the married women from Pakistan who would like to pursue pageantry?

Go for it! You have so much to offer the world, you are knowledgeable and beautiful, never forget that.

9. Any messages to married women in general?

Again, so many messages that you will likely hear throughout the year from me. However, most importantly, to married women, not just Pakistani, but of all cultures, you are just amazing with all that you do. I would say to take time for you as well. As women we are trained to give and we do as women give a lot of ourselves, but also remember to give back to yourself which in turn gives back to your loved ones. It is an interesting cycle that when we are happy, others around us are happy. So we have to allow ourselves to take care of us too.

10. How do you balance career, family, pageantry and all of the other life demands on you today as a married Pakistani woman?

This is a tough one, as ‘how’ is a never-ending negotiation based on what ever is going on at the time. Fortunately, I think, women are great multi-taskers and great at leading teams. I have a very supportive family and circle of friends around me who share in the responsibilities and joys of life. I think for women it is very important to have solid grounding in yourself, work on bettering yourself and taking care of yourself. Figure out a method that works for you to evaluate your priorities. These are different for all of us. Importantly, communicate with others in your life about your needs, ideas, dreams and ambitions. There is a message here for men as well, to support the women in your life. What has allowed men to ‘have it all’ if they choose such as a career and children and marriage and hobbies and so on? It is women! It is because of women who have historically been behind men, taking care of domestic issues, that then frees men up to focus on a career outside of the home. Similarly, for women to enjoy success in all of these areas, men must be supportive and shift their roles as well. We really have to work together. As for me, I would say that I am a product of hundreds of years of family history and I credit many others for who I am today, the women and men in my life. I am humbled and grateful to have this support. I am looking forward to talking more with the community on this and all of your questions.

11. Ok, so as a Pakistani, what is your message to the world about Pakistan?

Well, there are so many messages I would like to give as we are a vast, diverse and large group of people. Pakistanis, the people of Pakistan and those of us living abroad, are diffult to sum up in a few words or one picture, as we are so very diverse in our , views, opinions, languages and histories. So importantly, to the world I say that a singular definition of ‘Pakistani’ will not do for over 170 million Pakistanis worldwide. I encourage you all to explore this country and the people to discover our depths, complexities and our richness. “Pakistani” is a national identity to a homeland that was created in 1947 out of a movement for liberation to carve out a unique place. The nation was founded by a man, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who stated the following in an international talk in 1948,
“Islam and its idealism have taught us democracy. It has taught equality of man, justice and fairplay to everybody. We are the inheritors of these glorious traditions and are fully alive to our responsibilities and obligations as framers of the future constitution of Pakistan. In any case Pakistan is not going to be a theocratic State to be ruled by priests with a divine mission. We have many non-Muslims --Hindus, Christians, and Parsis --but they are all Pakistanis. They will enjoy the same rights and privileges as any other citizens and will play their rightful part in the affairs of Pakistan.”
So to the world I say, that like any other nation and culture, Pakistan has developed into a diverse and everso evolving society. It is important to remember that Pakistan is both a player and a product of international and historical politics and everyone has a stake in strengthening this nation. We must all work to support Pakistan and importantly to support more Pakistani women being in positions of leadership.

12. How can people learn more about you?

You can join my fan page Tahmena Bokhari on Facebook
And of course you can always google my name to see what’s new.
Thank you.

Miss International Beauty Pageant

Beauty has no limits and has no boundaries; it has its own way of expression. People express it in their own way and through the medium of their own choice. Regardless of the fact that beauty needs no support or fancy to prove its existence, but at times it requires appreciation.

In this regard a beauty pageant competition is going to take place in New York, USA. This international beauty pageant is going to happen on the 16th of January 2010, at Queens College Golden Center 65-30 Kissena BLVD, Flushing, New York 11367. There are some outclass brands and services sponsoring the Fashion affair, most importantly, SAAPNA. SAAPNA is an abbreviation of South Asian American Political National Association and Mr. Adnan Munawar, who is the founder and chairman of SAAPNA, is going to be one of the judges of the Fashion competition.

Most interestingly, one of the Bollywood’s hottest heroines, Priyanka Chopra will be the chief Guest of the International Beauty Pageant. Priyanka Chopra is a dazzling lady with a cute smile. It will be a glamorous and very exciting Fashion competition.

In this grand Fashion affair, it will be an honor for Pakistan that Mr. Adnan Munawar, who is a Pakistani and the founder & chariman of SAAPNA is going to judge the beauties at the contest.

Tahmena Bokhari Crowned The New Mrs. Pakistan World 2010

ahmena Bokhari, the 4th woman in history to be crowned Mrs. Pakistan World 2010 was selected in Toronto, Canada. The pageant that started just a few years ago is now focused on finding role models for representing married women of Pakistan in a new and bold way.

Tahmena Bokhari is a College professor, social worker, consultant to governments and organizations, public speaker and writer. She has over a decade’s experience working with governments, community organizations, and academic institutions and various diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area and around the world. She has been especially passionate about diversity, ending violence against women, health (particularly cancer) and issues surrounding immigrants and settlement. Tahmena had always been passionate about social causes, volunteering countless hours and raising awareness on important issues facing our communities for years. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Toronto and traveled abroad working with victims of poverty, orphans and natural disaster survivors. Specifically, she has worked extensively in the relief efforts following the October 8th 2005 earthquake in the northern areas of Pakistan which she discusses in detail on her blog.

Tahmena plans to use the Mrs. Pakistan World platform to raise larger awareness on the issues she has already spent years working on as well as to take on the role of a spokesperson for Pakistani women balancing family, community, career and hobbies. As a social worker, she has experience working with so many women and families, and she wants to share this knowledge and experience to help the broader community. She states, “I hope to inspire men and women to participate in creating positive energy in the home and in the community and to live holistically balanced and happy lives.”

Sonia Ahmed the President of Mrs. Pakistan World stated that the pageant for married women is a step forward for Pakistan in the pageant industry and hopefully Tahmena will represent Pakistan in international pageants that can take the country forward in the pageant world.

Pakistani Designers Outfit in Vogue

In Pakistan, wedding and party season is in and every Pakistani lady in town wants to look smart and trendy for the big day and upcoming spring festival event For this purpose, many pakistani fashion designer have come forward to launch various for all occasions.

is a very famous Pakistani fashion designer and the director of the fashion house Meeras. She has a huge clientele in and abroad that caters to women of all ages. Her collection depicts an affinity with Islamic calligraphy and Mughal architecture and the heritage of Central Asia. The Pakistani designer showed her Noor Jehan collection in Vancouver, BC as well.
is also a renowned fashion designer, Pakistan. Her Pakistani dresses have contemporary and intricate look, elegant styles and colourful fabrics have portrayed a trendy outlook of Pakistan in and abroad. Now she has 10 outlets in Pakistan and there are five brands under the label of ‘Maria B,’ which are ‘Maria,’ ‘Maria B’ lawn, ‘Maria B’ evening, ‘Maria B’ brides and ‘Mgirl.’

hassan shahriyar is another prominent fashion designer, Pakistan who has been making names in and abroad. His clothing lines consist of embroidered borders and colourful combination.

deepak pervani

famous for men’s dress designing especially kurtas offers, groom sherwani, embroidered kurta, and shirts. The Pakistani fashion designer also designs bridal wear along with bridal accessories, saries and formal wear,

saadia mirza

is a Pakistani fashion designer who is known for her unique style and innovation. Her line of Pakistani dresses is ‘Virtues’ which defines women who are bold, refined and believe in their own individuality.
‘Vanity’ highlights embroidery done in gold threads and embellishments in swarovski crystals, real stones, pearls, polki and diamonds. ‘Vintage’ defines delicate colours and eastern embellishment in Pakistani dresses and ‘vision’ offers a complete variety of western wears.

nomi ansari

fashion designer Pakistan, emerged on the scene in 2001 and after a decade, the ‘Nomi Ansari’ brand has become one of the most sought-after labels in Pakistan. His clothes are very colorful and creative and look absolutely gorgeous! His collections are available in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai, Chicago, and Singapore.

Nomi ansari’s,

fashion designer Pakistan’s latest work defines timeless and classic which, caters to middle-aged women and teenagers. It is available at both Nickie Nina outlets in Lahore and Karachi.

Junaid Jamshed,’s J. is another singer/fashion designer, Pakistan. Pakistani dresses include: formal kurtas, shalwar kameez, kurtis, hand woven kurtas and chappals for men and the entire wedding package for the groom. The Pakistani fashion designer is the first one to introduce designer brand of perfumes for both men and women.

Mohamad mehdi

is also a well-known Pakistani fashion designer. His clothes are glamorous and offer the most stunning and glamorous designs for the people in love with fashion. His collection is available in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles.

Multi brand retail boutique LABELS opens in Lahore

Following the success of LABELS in Karachi, chief executive Zahir Rahimtoola brings LABELS to Lahore on the 29th of January 2010 as an exciting franchise with businesswoman Sowaba Shehzad.

Indeed LABELS has come a long way; from humble beginnings in Karachi, the outlet is currently among Pakistan’s premier multi-designer stores’ retailing fine clothing, accessories, handbag and precious jewellery essentially catering to the strong and independent women of Pakistan. The current Labels campaign including Pakistan’s mostwatched television anchors and personalities can be seen across all major magazines and supplements. Indeed it is reflective of the Labels philosophy and ethos which is to make women not only look stunning but also feel spectacular; making sure that the woman of substance is no doubt the woman of Labels.

In Lahore, LABELS introduces a diversity of accessible fashion by Anisa Khan, Chamak by Sania MaskAtiya and Abida Dada, Flair by Naureen Fayyaz, Freeha Baqir, Jannat & Sadaf, Labels’ eponymous line, Mina Hassan, Nadya Mistry, Natasha Daultana, Naureen Arbab, SadiyaNadiya, Sanam Chaudhri, Somal Halepoto and Aliya Agha Nguyen. Speaking about opening in Lahore, Zahir has said:

“Thanks to the pioneers of the fashion industry of Lahore, there is a vibrant retail environment with a far greater awareness of designer branded collections. This has emboldened us to return to Lahore (Labels was originally opening at the Pearl Continental in 1998). This is the first franchise store for Labels which makes it all the more exciting. We intend to mix local sensibilities with its own 15 years of retail experience and indeed bring to Lahore our unique philosophy of catering to a cross section of the women of Pakistan. We are particularly pleased to have Ms. Sowaba Shehzad partner with us in Lahore as she has a number of years of corporate experience and we trust her experience will help further enhance the service levels of LABELS Lahore.”

The opening of LABELS also coincides with the launch of exclusive home accessories brand SOUVENIR, on the first floor of the outlet. As the French name suggests, SOUVENIR encourages the spirit of taking home a ‘memory’. The brand carries home décor pieces ranging from Candle Stands, Coffee Tables, Chairs, Consoles, Ottomans, Tea Boxes, Coasters, Mirrors, Frames and Book Ends in a combination mostly comprising of wood with ceramic textures, a mosaic aesthetic and hand painted surfaces. SOUVENIR is an independent project by Sowaba Shehzad, currently Ceo of ALNO German kitchens and interiors. Speaking about introducing a LABELS franchise and debuting her own brand SOUVENIR in Lahore, Sowaba Shehzad, has said

“Bringing LABELS to Lahore is part of our company’s vision for diversification. Being Pakistan’s first multi brand store and having a unique brand character makes us confident of LABELS being able to carve out its own niche here in Lahore. I am also launching my own home décor brand SOUVENIR simultaneously, which is also part of our horizontal diversification strategy catering to the same market segment as LABELS and our other brands.”

LABELS Lahore opens for retail at 6 PM on the 29th of January [Friday] at 194 Y Block, DHA, Lahore.

About Labels:

Labels emerged onto a non-existent fashion scene in 1996 in Karachi, and pioneered casual western clothing in Pakistan. Since its inception, Labels has always been a proactive store and has thus evolved a number of times keeping in line with ongoing international fashion trends.

Zahir Rahimtoola’s vision has come a long way; from a humble beginning Labels has become Pakistan’s premier multi-designer store retailing fine clothing, accessories, hand bags and precious jewellery essentially catering to the strong and independent woman of Pakistan. Indeed, Labels opened the first Original Levis store in Pakistan retailing Levis & Dockers products and in the past has also retailed some of Pakistan’s most prestigious designers including Maheen khan, deepak perwani, nayna, Samyra Rashid, Nomi Ansari and Gulabo.

Currently, Labels Karachi retails Maheen Kareem Jannat & Sadaf, James Abidi, SadiyaNadiya, Pash, Zara Shahjahan, Elan Chamak, Mina Hasan, N.Ali, Belladonna, Anisa Khan, Levi Strauss Signature, United Colors of Benetton and their own eponymous affordable line headed by young designer Hala Syed.

In Lahore, Labels now introduces Anisa Khan, Chamak by Sania Maskatiya and Abida Dada, Flair by Naureen Fayyaz, Freeha Baqir, Jannat & Sadaf, Labels, Mina Hassan, Nadya Mistry Natasha Daultana, Naureen Arbab, Sadiya Nadiya, Sanam Chaudhri, Sarah Gilani, Somal Halepoto and Aliya Agha Nguyen.

The current Labels campaign including Pakistan’s most watched television anchors and personalities can be seen across all major magazines and supplements. Indeed it is reflective of the Labels philosophy and ethos which is to make women not only look stunning but also feel spectacular; making sure that the woman of substance is no doubt the woman of Labels.

About Souvenir:

Bringing to Pakistan her creative aesthetic, Sowaba Shehzad introduces her home accessories brand Souvenir. Located at the first floor of Labels in Lahore, Souvenir includes a versatile range of home décor pieces ranging from Candle Stands, Coffee Tables, Chairs, Consoles, Ottomans, Tea Boxes, Coasters, Mirrors, Frames and Book Ends in a combination mostly comprising of wood with ceramic textures, a mosaic aesthetic and hand painted surfaces.

With plans to launch Souvenir globally, Sowaba aims to promote Pakistani Handicrafts and accessories making Souvenir accessible to all feelings, relations and occasions one wants to celebrate.

PFDC announced Fashion Week 2010 PFDC

Pakistan Fashion Design Council created fashion history by announcing Fashion Week 2010 PFDC at a Press Conference at PFDC Boulevard Lahore, 4th December 2009 which was organized by Catalyst PR and Marketing. The announcement was made amidst the glitterati of Lahore who were ecstatic to hear that the Fashion week was coming to the cultural capital of our country.

Sehyr Saigol, the chair person of executive committee, Pakistan Fashion Design Council, invited all designers participate and Fashion Pakistan to come on board as equal partners. This invitation drew a loud applause from the audience, as Hassan Shehriyar Yaseen was quick to point out that “This fashion week is for Pakistan, by Pakistani’s”, rather than a divide between the two metropolitans.

Fashion Week 2010 PFDC will be held from 16th to 20th of February, 2010. The PFDC made it clear that they plan to make Fashion week a permanent fixture in our social and business calendars alike by announcing the 2nd fashion week which will be held in Karachi in September.

It has been a busy year for The PFDC, which opened the boulevard in Lahore, 2007. It was a huge success and it was naturally followed by an opening of the Karachi store in September 2009. The PFDC has also had regular shows with its designers to promote them. Furthermore, they have raised over 4 million for IDPs through fund raising events and another 2 million were donated by council themselves.

One of their main focuses have always been promoting young talent with scholar ships, grants and now they are offering emerging talent a special showcase at the upcoming fashion week.

Everyone from Ali Zafar to Mommar Ranna to Iman Ali to Ather Shahzad along with the very glamorous fashion fraternity came out in hoards to support the Pakistan Fashion Design Council’s decision to hold a fashion week.

Catwalk Event Management Production, that are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, are hired by PFDC as event managers of the Fashion Week 2010 PFDC and Lotus Public Relations will be our official and exclusive Publicists for PFW 2010.

USA Beauty Pageant 2010

Although everybody has its own standard to judge the beauty but some customary standards are considered as same, worldwide. On the basis of equally treated parameters, several types of beauty competitions are celebrated occasionally.

Recently, a beauty pageant competition took place in New York, USA; in which many beautiful ladies participated. Among all, Sana Munshi from Queens won the beauty pageant award and stood first, Cassandra Thakur was the 1st Runner up and Zohal Hami designated as 2nd runner up. Fascinatingly, one of the Bollywood’s hottest heroines, Priyanka Chopra was the chief Guest of the International Beauty Pageant.

This international beauty pageant was held on the 16th of January 2010, at Queens College Golden Center 65-30 Kissena BLVD, Flushing, New York 11367. Many big brands and services sponsored the Fashion competition, South Asian American Political National Association (SAAPNA) was one of the main sponsors and Mr. Adnan Munawar , who is the founder and chairman of SAAPNA, was one of the judges of the beauty pageant