Noor

Pakistani Model & Actress Noor 

Iraj Manzoor

Pakistani actress Iraj Manzooor

 On the ramp, she is the ultimate diva – gorgeous, sensuous, seductive. But when the spotlight is turned off and the designer labels are back on the rack, Iraj Manzoor returns to a normal life and surrounds herself with family and friends. The quintessential supermodel, Iraj began her career in the early ’90s. Distinguishingly tall, a head-turner and très trendy with an aura that is hard to miss, she climbed to the top very fast but the mega success didn’t go to her head. Iraj is surprisingly centred and strives to maintain a balance in her life.

          A free spirit, warm and down-to-earth, Iraj speaks with candour and earnestness as she sits cross-legged on the floor, pausing reflectively during our conversation, a far away look in her calm eyes. Not one to obsess about weight and looks, Iraj managed to hold her own in a field that she calls ‘disorienting’ and ‘superficial’ but extremely challenging at the same time.

          In this interview with Newsline, Iraj Manzoor dissects the pros and cons of her stint in the world of glamour and glitz.

When I started my career around 1991, things weren’t that bad. You did not have to be part of any clique to succeed and find fame and fortune. However, it took me longer to move up the ladder, because I had to get business myself, make incessant calls here and there ... There was not much help available but the industry at that time was a lot easier to manoeuvre because it was literally like a family. Frieha [Altaf] was sweet enough to let me lead the catwalk on my first show, which was really overwhelming.

          A lot of models fall into the stereotype, with hopes of gaining popularity and earning more if they become what is demanded of them, especially the Lahore models. They are groomed by someone else and told to look and act in a certain manner, so that most of them appear mass-produced. They lose their individuality and don’t have any sense of personal style. I have issues with that.

I have always tried to be true to myself. I appreciate creativity and I really believe in having a personal style, which I have developed and remain true to. I surround myself with people who allow you that space (to be who you are), and try to be around those who are creative and humane. And, of course, I’m close to Him (she points to the skies). 

Ayesha Gilani

Ayesha Gilani pakistani moedel & Miss Pakistan 

Miss Tourism Queen International was founded by Mr. Charlie See. Since 1949, there have been more than 80 countries occasionally holding this competition for their Miss Tourism National Queen. In 1993, the Miss Tourism Queen International Organization held the first world final competition in Sri Lanka, and later in USA, Russia, Brazil, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and many other countries as well. Miss Tourism Queen International contests have been held in China for six years from 2004 to 2009.

With the mutual benefit between Miss Tourism Pageant and the Tourist City, this event attracts full support from different circles in the society, and the special involvement of the press and TV media. With around 250 press's coverage and over 50 TV media's broadcasting, Miss Tourism Queen International serves as an international platform for the involved regions, tourist cities, tourist products, and fashion and luxury goods. 

Miss Pakistan World has sent delegates to over 20 international pageants in just under 7 years, winning various sub titles. Gilani, won the Miss Congeniality Award as well besides winning the pageant at the 7th Miss Pakistan World pageant that was held June 2009. Gilani will be the 4th representation for Pakistan since the pageant started 5 years ago. 

Sonia Ahmed, President of Miss Pakistan World said, “It is very important to keep Pakistan’s pageant industry alive amongst all the turmoil Pakistan faces on a daily basis. We are dedicated to prolonging the pageant industry and keeping it as active as possible. With Ayesha Gilani going to international beauty pageants, this shows that we are still going head strong.” 

When asked about how she feels representing Pakistan on such a large scale, Ayesha Gilani said, “ I am so honoured that I have got this title and am representing Pakistan, as it is today Pakistan needs a very moderate and liberal representation for the world to see. It is in my hands now to educate the 81 countries about my nation and remove stereotypes about Pakistanis. I will try my best and hopefully those 81 representatives can go further and change their little world about us in their respective countries. I am proud to be the 7th Miss Pakistan to step out and compete for an international representation for Pakistan. We are doing something different and hopefully whatever little I can do to contribute I will do so. Winning is not very important to me, but being there wearing my country’s sash is what I’m looking forward to.” 

Atiqa odho

    Atiqa odho Pakistani Actress 

Luckily, there are many examples of people in show business who appreciate and recognize the virtues of hard work and ingenuity. A quick example is Atiqa Odho, who is amply endowed with numerous qualities, including the aforementioned hard work and ingenuity.

Born to an enlightened family, she received the best possible education and upbringing in the U.S.A. Though initially she seemed an ordinary child, her zeal set her apart from her peers.

Additionally, the vivacious and vital Atiqa had her own position from her earlier days. Atiqa was persuaded by Pakistani television in 1990 to work for a drama serial. Her immediate response was that she was neither interested in entertainment, nor did she fluently speak the Urdu language, which was a pre-requisite for the Urdu play.

Long story short, the television crew took the responsibility to groom Atiqa for her role in the television play and Atiqa agreed to do it. Thus, Atiqa debuted from the Pakistani television drama serial, 'Sitara aur Mehrun Nisa', in 1991, for which she was eminently suitable.

Moreover, Atiqa was heralded as a star of dazzling luminosity and rightly so. It sounds preposterous that she was labeled such so quickly, but it is true. Her acting appealed to the masses. One can easily remember and savor her great performances.

Atiqa, who is revered for her versatile acting, offered a convincing performance in the television drama serial 'Dasht'. The cast included Atiqa Odho, Fazila Qazi, Noman Ejaz and Abid Ali. Her interest was to create entertainment, in the transaction; she attained fame beyond her wildest imagination.

Atiqa achieved legendary stature as a television artist. She was highly successful in modeling as well. After nearly a decade, Atiqa grew too tired of travel between U.S. and Pakistan. Hence, she decided to make Pakistan her permanent abode. She has a fervent desire to provide a congenial atmosphere to her two children, and her husband, Javaid, in Pakistan.

Reverting to her show business career, one good thing about Atiqa is that she can tunnel into different roles, which are offered to her from time to time.

In the past thirteen years, 1991- 2004, Atiqa has made her presence felt forcefully in Pakistani television, film, theater, modeling and radio. Through her serene subtle and sometimes heartbreaking performance, she often steals the show.

The Pakistani television play, 'Nijaat', is a case in point, in which Atiqa's acting is laudable. Atiqa, who has brown hair and green eyes, is renowned for her artistic qualities. She enchants the Pakistani community all over the world.

Atiqa gave a superb performance in the film 'Mujhay chand chahiye', in 2001, directed by Shan. Stars included Atiqa Odho and Javed Sheikh. She made mediocre movies good and good movies great. Now she is poised to reap awards and gather encomiums from the public.

As time passed by, Atiqa's emergence as a prominent artist created ripples on and off the screen. Atiqa, a promising artist then, and an accomplished artist now, worked even harder for her role in the film 'Jo dar gaya wo mar gaya', in 1995.

We need wisdom to understand, to predict and seize opportunities. Atiqa is good in those venues. The play 'Talaash' is a great example of Atiqa's foresightedness, which was wisely directed by her.

In real life, Atiqa's face usually wears a radiant smile, and she has a devoted international following. Atiqa, who is renowned for the virtual inclusion of finer feelings, gave one of the most memorable performances of her career in the thirteen episodes, very expensive drama serial, 'Chahatain.'

In fact, Atiqa stepped into her working life as a make- up artist and acquired training in England. Later, she moved to Pakistan and practiced her profession as a beautician.

In times due course, she started her own beauty parlor and appropriately named it 'Cuts and cappuccino.'

Thinking young is great feeling healthy is even better.

In spite of her hectic schedule, Atiqa manages to keep herself young, active and healthy.