Pakistani women look beautiful, no matter what they wear: Vidya Balan

Over the years, Vidya stood her ground and carved out a niche for herself in Bollywood. PHOTO: PUBLICITY

Ever since, the actor has only strengthened her position, churning out one commendable performance after another. From Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture (2011) to Bobby from Bobby Jasoos (2014), Balan is known for her unmatched conviction towards roles that emphasise a realistic portrayal of the female being. For instance, her work as Vidya Venkatesan Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani (2012), won Balan her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress. This year, she will be completing a whole decade in the industry with Mohit Suri’s upcoming venture Humari Adhoori Kahaani.

Full Article @ eTribune

Why photographers keep going back to Hunza

As professionals, we often get distracted by things which do not necessarily inspire us.

However, the season of autumn in Hunza serves as a reminder for myself that it’s always great to go back to my photographic roots — where my inspiration was born.

Documenting fall in Hunza has always been a tricky subject for me. The months of October/November were always the time for college or university submissions as an architecture major; and I would inevitably miss the exquisite season every year.

Full Article @ DAWN

Israel, IS and the futility of evil

The victory of Israel’s far right in the country’s general elections held in March this year, reflects a stunning endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard line stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu has ruled out a conciliatory, two-state solution to the conflict that Israel had supported for almost two decades. Supported by the UN and the international community, the two-state solution lies at the heart of the Middle East Peace Process. And Netanyahu has virtually confirmed its demise by appointing Ayelet Shaked, a founding member of the far-right Jewish Home Party. As Israel’s Justice Minister, Shaked, gained notoriety last year for posting an article on her Facebook page that virtually called for the extermination of the Palestinian people, the “destruction of Palestinian homes … otherwise more little snakes will be raised here”.

Full Article @ DAWN

Gojal: Where Pakistan begins

The writer at Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan.

It’s the second week of November. There is a tremendous silence around me; snowflakes fall gently from the sky. The day is so white — there’s no color in sight save for my red jeep and gray jacket, all other colors have become invisible under the thick snow.

There is neither a military check post, nor any signs of civilian settlement here. This is the Pak-China border, and I am standing at the Khunjerab Pass, with my face towards Pakistan’s brother, China.

Full Artical @ DAWN