March 8th, 2010 – Being a part of a massively successful musical group means you are constantly on the move and facing new adventures every day. The boys from The Bilz & Kashif have been busy putting the final touches on their sophomore album, Breaking Barriers – but somehow they have found time to get involved with some other pretty cool projects along the way.

The Bilz & Kashif, known for fusing Bhangra music with Urban/Pop and electro will headline Canadian Music Week’s Spotlight on India on March 12th. The weeklong festival will feature Billboard charting acts like Our Lady Peace and Ke$ha.  How does it feel to represent the growing urban sound of South Asia? Kashif says, “This is probably the best thing to happen for Canadian artists like us. This event has been a major part of the industry for a while and for CMW to acknowledge the growth of South Asian artists makes us really proud to headline this segment. Thanks to BlueBand Musiq for making this happen. We’re moving forward and breaking barriers!”

The Bilz & Kashif offered an exclusive gift for their fans on Valentine’s Day – a free download of their version of the popular song ‘BedRock’ by Young Money entitled ‘Candy Girl’ which features The Bilz & Kashif alongside Nivla & Drega. The promotional video for “Candy Girl” charted #9 on YouTube’s most viewed song in two days. The Bilz & Kashif will be releasing another free promo track featuring a U.K rapper early this month along with a house version of “Against All Odds” remixed by DJ Notorious (Mumbai). Visit their Facebook page for more details.

While The Bilz & Kashif strive to bring their sound to a worldwide audience, their North American appeal has landed them a feature article in Street Report Magazine. The publication, based in Atlanta, has featured top platinum selling artists from the music industry including Usher, Ludacris, Plies & T.I. Vicious says “The editor hit me up on Twitter and just fell in love with our latest video – Against All Odds. She’s been in the loop since our 2 Step Bhangra days and acknowledged the struggle and consistency we deliver every time we put something out.”

In today’s industry, what is a hit record without a hit video? The Bilz & Kashif’s latest video, ‘Against All Odds’ which has gained over 100,000 views in 3 months on YouTube, has entered the 2010 Reel World Film Festival in Toronto in the music video category. The video chronicles the boys’ struggle to make it in the music industry – supporting themselves by day and honing their craft by night. Their inspirational message to follow your dreams is masterfully captured in the video.

While all of these other exciting projects have been going on, The Bilz & Kashif have found the time to finish Breaking Barriers. The album features a great fusion of South Asian, Pop/ R&B and electro sounds. The album will be available for pre-order on iTunes next month.

Scribble your random thoughts on a piece of paper [try not to scribble down offensive language please!] in a way that it becomes a masterpiece of art! Be as creative as you can – use a ballpoint pen only. You can include characters, and other images – but the words you scribble will be the most important part of it.

We’ll choose 3 winners who will receive a Goodie Bag filled with prizes –> t-shirts, original movie DVDs, original music CDs, all issues of Ink, a Radio 1 FM91 gift, and much more! The winners will also be featured, along with their Scribble Art, in the Apr – Jun 2010 issue of Ink.

Scan the Scribble Art you’ve made, and send in your entries via e-mail to: competition@ink-on-the-web.com

Last date for entry: 12th March, 2010.
Winners will be announced on 15th March 2010.

*Competition valid for Pakistan & Dubai only.

The collection is an organic extension of the label’s ‘folkcentric’ aesthetic which stormed the catwalks in 2009. For East, West, North, South, the house of Kamiar Rokni has focused on indigenous fabrics and embellishments inspired by traditional techniques. This collection will feature a versatile range of ready to wear; from kaftans to billowing tunics, jackets and statement pieces. The fashion house has revealed an emphasis on tailoring details and silhouette with an overall aesthetic lending itself to simplicity and a simple lack of fuss. Indeed Kamiar Rokni’s collection will mark a departure from their signature burst of vibrant colour; this collection’s colour palette is more controlled and one can expect a diversity of fabrics including cotton based wear to satin and velvet. The label inspires to showcase a collection that is simultaneously elegant, timeless and relevant all at once. Kamiar Rokni’s major inspirations for this collection lie with an exposure to the world in which we live and the myriad hues it has to offer from all four corners of the globe. The label is constantly inspired by craft, textile and ethnicity and the latest collection encompasses all of these elements in a minimal modern manner.

The house of Kamiar Rokni has received an overwhelming response from a trusted clientele with the team now designing for clients in places as diverse as Italy, Holland, USA, England, France, Canada, Dubai and Greece to name just a few. The luxury label’s Prêt a Porter and Haute Couture collections hit the runways in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan last year to critical acclaim. In 2008, the label had the much coveted honour of having been nominated for Pakistan’s biggest style awards, The Lux Style Awards in the best Prêt wear category. Kamiar himself is an international award winning designer having received an award in Japan at the Makuhari Grand Prix design competition.

The Jenkins-Penn Haitian Relief Organization (J/P HRO) has recently launched the “Beat the Rain” campaign, aimed at raising funds to support the effort to protect the hundreds of thousands of Haitians who are living in tent cities and camps as the rainy season approaches. With the rainy season comes the additional threat of cholera, tuberculosis, typhoid, tetanus, and malaria, so in order to save lives J/P HRO is hoping to provide secure, temporary homes in the region, as well as to call upon local officials to expedite the inspection process so that Haitians can return to their homes. Sean Penn, one of the founders of J/P HRO, said: “When the rain comes, it’s going to be a public health disaster. It could easily be on the scale of the earthquake itself. What we’re trying to do is prevent it. The inspection process is too slow and people are not being let back into their homes. There is enormous risk if they are not relocated or given better means of shelter soon. Disease is spreading already- tuberculosis, typhoid, tetanus, malaria. There were incredible hygiene problems within the neighborhoods prior to the quake. This is a new disaster waiting to happen, if we do not take action now and do something to prevent it.”

To learn more about “Beat the Rain” or how to get involved, please visit

http://www.jphro.org/

The other day, I had the opportunity to interview and enjoy an evening at a popular eatery in Islamabad – Pizziano. Its oven baked pizzas are now not only enjoyed at the owner’s lush garden, but due to the winter cold, Zehra Valliani, a woman of substance, a woman of strength, and a woman of entrepreneurship, has started a comfortable and cozy place, a casual shed with heaters burning, and art work on display.

Zehra Valliani started her career after being trained by her father Siraj Valliani (late) who was in the travel business in Islamabad, Pakistan. Zehra was lucky to inherit the entrepreneurial talent from him, and has used that not only at “Pizziano”, but has also started her own clothes line known as “Zehra V”. With so many things already going on, she is also in partnership with a Dubai based company, being their representative here in Islamabad. She is still using her travel and tour agent skills. She is a woman who is not a quitter, but a go-getter; a woman who likes to move with time, and is a symbol of womanhood in its true sense. She encourages the many other young women in Pakistan to come forward, and use their talents, skills, and ideas. Her idea is to work hard for the progress of society, of the country, and herself. She wants to serve the local people in Pakistan with the best service in any industry, whether food, clothes or travel. Zehra Valliani is out there doing it all, and proving to be an achiever.

The Interview -

Question 1: At the moment you are managing three businesses. How do you get the time to manage the three, since each is a solo business venture – or do you have partners?

Answer 1: It is not solo; my mother is backing me, especially with “Zehra V”. She is actively managing it alone, as I run the other businesses as well.

Question 2: Having a Travel/Ticketing and Tour business background, how and when did you decide to enter the hospitality line?

Answer 2: Travel and hospitality go hand in hand. When I was living in Dubai I started taking interest in fashion, and started the business, and continued in Islamabad. It was at a later stage that I went to Serena, and the experience and training I got at Serena has helped me in starting “Pizziano”.

Question 3: How was your experience in the travel industry, since you were running the business with your family?

Answer 3: It was a very good experience; we were out bound to all destinations, catering to different diplomatic missions. I was working with my father; my father was a pioneer in the travel industry. I started at age sixteen, after my O levels. We had businesses in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. I was handling the sales and marketing side. We were partners with United Airlines, and a UAE based company, Al Rustamany Group.

Question 4: Did you have to go through any academic/educational requirements to enter the travel business, or was it just handed over to you to take care of? Do you recommend the young generation to enter this field, women in particular?

Answer 4: Of course, when I started I was studying privately. I went through proper training with IATTA, travel and tour courses and training. I definitely recommend ladies to enter this field.

Question 5: What made you enter the hospitality business? Fun, food or entertainment?

Answer 5: The fact that I have always been a people’s person and I love to socialize. Even when I came from Dubai I loved socializing. When I started working at Serena, I got great exposure there. We had international clients/dignitaries, and a lot of professional level training. Serena is of course a member of leading hotels of the world.

Question 6: How was your experience working at Serena hotel as a woman?

Answer 6: It was an amazing experience. As a woman, I felt protected and it was a clean environment. I was taking care of over 350 accounts. Hospitality is creative and has very different aspects to it. The biggest advantage is being single so you have plenty of time to cope with the demanding hours.

Question 7: Some time back you started your clothes line as well. What would you say about the fashion scene in Pakistan at the moment? Is it here to stay and progress, or will it be banned eventually?

Answer 7: It is here to stay. Dubai motivated me, they loved my fashion. I started “Zehra V” from Dubai for my Indian friends and my trip to India was a success also. Our Pakistani work is very minute, beautiful, and intricate and therefore appealing abroad. I hold exhibitions every two months in Islamabad, but not commercially. It is on a one to one basis with my clients.

Question 8: You are doing a small business venture in three different sectors, hospitality/food, clothes/fashion, and Travel/Tours. Which one is your favorite?

Answer 8: “Zehra V” is my favorite.

Question 9: How do you get time to manage the three businesses?

Answer 9: I have divided my day. Socializing is done at night when I take time out for my friends because doing business can be stressful. “Zehra V” and “Pizziano” complimented each other, so all my three babies are actually under the same roof. My mother is a pillar behind my business venture, and time management skills I inherited from my Dad.

Question 10: Your latest venture is “Pizziano”- wood fire, oven baked Italian Pizzas. How did you decide to start a restaurant, and how do you feel about it?

Answer 10: I had been wanting to do something in my house. I ate oven bakes Pizzas in London and Dubai, liked the concept and wanted to do a business in this line. Our specialty is the thin crust 14 inch, 8 sliced Pizza.

Question 11: Which are the most popular and favorite pizzas at your eatery?

Answer 11: Italian Combo, Smoked Chicken, Diavola, veggie Pizzas and usually foreigners prefer the all time favorite Margharita.

Question 12: What age bracket are you catering to and who are your regular clients?

Answer 12: Pizziano is visited by teenage boys and girls, corporate people, people from far off places, government servants, and a lot of diplomats. I have regular clientele, and marketing is done by word of mouth.

Question 13: How original are your recipes and techniques in preparing the pizzas?

Answer 13: We try to do it as Italian as possible, by adding basil, green chilies, fresh salads, and not compromising on price and quality. We use imported cheeses.

Question 14: Do you have a lot of competition, as it seems “Pizziano” is the only one preparing the brick clay oven style pizzas.

Answer 14: No, I do not have much competition, as “Pizziano” is one of a kind in the city right now – preparing wood fire oven baked Italian pizzas.

Question 15: Once you are done with business – how do you relax – that is if you get any time to relax?

Answer 15: I love to be with my friends, go to the movies, socialize, go to a party; the biggest relaxation is going to the cinema, exploring my work and new ventures.

Question 16: Any message for the women in Pakistan, for encouraging them to use their talents and skills by coming out and proving themselves, by contributing towards the progress of society and the country?

Answer 16: A woman has a world of opportunities, so she can enter any field. If you have gifts/talent or skill, all you need is confidence, and faith. If you believe in yourself, you have to go get it! You have to put your mind and soul to it. “Your hard work never goes to waste”. Keep your intentions clear.

Please note that completely owing to Ink’s own fault, this article of Ayesha’s was incompletely printed in the current Jan – Mar 2010 Gold Issue of Ink. We are therefore uploading it here in full! Apologies to Ayesha and our readers for the mishap!

By Ayesha Ali Khan

Growing up in suburban Lahore, New Year’s eves used to be a quiet event. Yet excitement for the New Year was evident in the spirit of every child and adult. New Year’s Eve was the celebration of a new beginning. Something to be jubilant about. It was a time for a simple gesture of wishing health and wealth to all, and the best that life could give to all. Indeed, the New Year promised a bright future. Even today, the charm of the New Year’s Eve continues to thrill. Despite the face paced life, it offers a chance for friends and family to come together and celebrate a joyous occasion. It is a new hope harbored into an old fashioned cheer.

It is here, as the clock approaches midnight that spirits are rekindled. However, standing united, facing a new beginning, my peers do stop for a moment and remember the past floating by. True, the year 2009 saw numerous challenges, many battles and much heartache. The economy painted a bleak picture. The woes of a common man mounted to new levels. Our land was in constant grip of terror. We lost many fellow countrymen as brave martyrs of terrorism. Indeed 2009 was a difficult year. It made the transition to 2010 a solemn attempt.

But that’s the beauty of a New Year. A moment artificial yet so profound. It brings a new dawn. It is a chance to redeem oneself. It offers a brand new path to success. It is an opportunity to rise above and make a difference. A new year brings with it the making of new goals, settings your dreams and letting your inspirations be your guiding light. Step forward with good things in mind, leaving behind every bad memory and forgetting all past mistakes. Provoke your inner smile to surface and be thankful for all the hidden blessings, life showers on you.

Take the New Year as a stepping stone for your personal glory. 2010 may bring something positive for each one of us. It may be the celebration of a new life. It may be relishing in the joy of strengthening the bonds with your loved ones, whether old or new. It may be just keeping your head high and maintaining a positive outlook for the year. Or it may be simple contentment knowing that someone out there is looking out for you and that you’ll never walk alone.

Let 2010 be your playground. We have stepped into a New Year with new hope. But remember, we want to walk away from it believing in miracles. Though there might be times, when the silver lining on our clouds may seem to diminish, we must rise above. Dance as if no one were watching, sing as if no one were listening and live every day as if it were your last. Because we will live no other way and we will cherish memory as the only certain immortality.

COVETED AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Move over Midas, there’s a new king in town and he’s about to bag all the gold. This week, musical golden boy, Imran Khan was nominated for four UK AMAs and accepted an extremely prestigious award from Anokhi Magazine.

Khan is nominated for Best Album for Unforgettable, Best Desi Act, Best Male Act and Best Video for ‘Amplifier’. The UK Asian Music Awards are the British Asian equivalent of the Brits or the Grammys. Fans determine the winners by voting for their favorite at www.theukama.com. This year the event will take place on March 11th.

How does he feel to have so many nominations? Khan says, “The nominations for the UK AMA’s are great. I have worked tirelessly to deliver a hot album and bring forward a brand new urban desi sound for my generation of desi music listeners. Let’s hope my fans feel the same and vote for me.”

Anokhi Magazine presented Imran Khan with the 2010 Musical Artist of the Year, Male award at their 4th annual Sexy and Successful awards gala. Khan also performed at the event’s gala and after party. Each year Anokhi creates a list for their magazine of Sexy and Successful individuals from which they choose winners from various fields.

These awards and nominations come after an incredible year for Imran Khan. His debut album,‘Unforgettable,’ was the highest selling bhangra album of 2009. The album sold more copies in the first week than any other release of the year. The music videos for his hit singles, ‘Amplifer’ and ‘Bewafa’ have been viewed just under 3.5 million times on YouTube. ‘Amplifier’ became the anthem of the summer with the highest number of requests at UK radio stations catering to the South Asian demographic.

Amplifier: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuCFRaFWjwY
Bewafa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYodEWUdIso