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Interview with
Mohsin Hamid
The Man Behind the Book
Photography: Jillian Edelstein
By N.F. Ahmed
36 I May 26, 2013
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he Reluctant Fundamentalist is one of the most indemand movies of summer 2013. Based on Mohsin Hamid’s novel with the same title and directed by Mira Nair, this movie is set to be released in Pakistan on 23rd May. The Reluctant Fundamentalist tells the story of a Pakistani American and his struggle to come to terms with his identity in a post 9/11 America. Mohsin Hamid, the author of
“Moth Smoke,” “The Reluctant Fundamentalist” and “How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia,” is one of the most well-acclaimed Pakistani writers of this generation; the simplicity of his language and the substance of his stories inspire many young individuals worldwide. The Lounge Magazine caught up with Mohsin Hamid for an exclusive interview, in which he talks about what drives him to write, the upcoming movie and what’s next for his fans. The following are excerpts of the interview:
Q: You have studied Law, When did you know you wanted to be a writer? MH: I took a creative writing course while I was at college, which got me interested in writing. Later, I went to study Law at Harvard and during my first semester of Law school, I realized that I didn’t really want to pursue law. Yet I finished Law school, worked in the corporate world and wrote part time. Q: If there was one city in the world to which you want to travel to and write about, which one would it, be? MH: I think Buenos Aires would be kind of cool to travel to and write about. As an added bonus, one of my favorite writers is from Argentina as well. Q: Do you research a lot for your novels? MH: No, I don’t research for my novels. Q: I read in an interview that you write what you know, like Ernest Hemmingway? MH: I live life and then write about it from my experiences and observations. Q: What about Moth Smoke? How did you research for it? MH: (Laughs) Alright I won’t say much but just that I had enough experience to write the story that I did. Q: Let’s talk about The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Many readers associate you with Chengez, yet you have made it abundantly clear Chengez is not you. If this is so then what is the inspiration behind Chengez’s character? MH: I am not Chengez—when 9/11 took place, I was 30 not 22 like Chengez .I was imagining what it would be like to be in Chengez’s shoes. He could be my younger cousin or friend, someone sharing the same environment and
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opportunities but he is not me. The biggest difference between me and Chengez is that he has to pick sides, he needs to identify where he belongs whereas as I do not face that dilemma. Q: The Reluctant Fundamentalist is based on a topic many Pakistani America’s can relate to, it’s a controversial and highly discussed topic. What was the biggest challenge that you faced writing such a story? MH: I wrote the novel in 7 years so I think the biggest challenge was sitting by the computer for long hours and completing the book. Another challenge was figuring out the language of the novel. Q: While writing on such a topic do you feel a responsibility to do justice to image Pakistan keeping in mind the socio political scenario? MH: As novelist it is not my job to represent Pakistan but to tell the story. The whole point of art is that there is no ‘should’. There is indefinite in art. In a country where everything is about ‘should’—you should dress like this, should eat like this and you should marry that person—art allows you to leave all that behind and go on to explore. Q: Are you looking forward to the release of the movie in Pakistan? MH: Yes I am interested to see how
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people in Pakistan would react to it. Mira has done a great job, and it’s a good movie. Q: The book is intense and thought provoking; are you afraid that much will be lost in translation to the screen? MH: The movie is a separate project, the book and the movie cannot be the same. They need to be different, I think it’s a good movie; Mira has done a good job. The movie is different from the book, in the book we never know who Changez is whereas in the movie we know all along. Q: The movie has a splendid cast with Riz Ahmed and Kate Hudson, as the writer do you think these actors fit your sketch of the characters they play? MH: Riz is a fantastic actor, he has done an incredible job. I bummed into Robert Di Nero at the Doha Film Festival and he also attested to the fact that Riz is a good actor and was wonderful in the movie, I guess when Robert Di Nero says he’s good then he is definitely good. Q: The uncertain ending of this novel has puzzled the readers a lot. MH: I think for me the readers make the novel come alive, I like them to deduce from the story themselves. I wanted the readers to be involved and be a little uncertain
and on edge. Q: Most writers like Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemmingway and Winston Churchill had writing rituals, do you have one? MH: (Laughs) it was different for different books, for Moth smoke I used to start writing at midnight and go on ’til morning, being younger then, I could do so. Now being married and a father , for The Reluctant Fundamentalist I used to get up early at 7, take a walk and that served as time for creative exploration and I would come back to write. Q: Generally what kind of movies do you watch? MH: I watch all kind of movies, funny, action, science fiction. I watch a lot of TV as well, Game of Thrones and Modern Family. (Don’t you think game of thrones season 2 was better than season 3? I couldn’t resist asking) Honestly I think season 1 was the best so far with all the drama building up to Ned Stark’s departure from the show! But I still wait each week for the new episode. I plan to watch The Great Gatsby as I think Baz Luhrmann is a wonderful director. Q: Whats next for Mohsin Hamid? MH: What’s next is a break for me, to travel a bit and read a bit.
May 26, 2013 I 39
The Quaint Sunflower Gift Shop R By Sumeha Khalid
ecently, Karachiites witnessed the opening of a quaint gift shop in the premises of the Special Children’s Educational Institute in Defence. Sunflowers Vocational Center Shop is a unique gift shop and gallery where you can find a wide range of sunflower products made by Students with special needs in a safe, nurturing environment with a specialized curriculum focused on their talents and abilities. The Vocational Center is designed to accommodate the older students who have usually outgrown the conventional school system. Creative skills are enhanced using apparatus that are easy to manipulate for example sponges instead of paint brushes, decoupage instead of drawing, and stenciling instead of painting. These techniques are further enhanced by each students unique outlook which creates a one of a kind product that is not only handmade but will represent change and acceptance in our attitudes towards these deserving individuals who are really working hard to create something of beauty to share with the world. ”Our products range from custom
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made piñatas to elegant home accents and artwork, not to mention our popular Truck Art Stationary and Gifts,” shared Saima Haq founder of Special Children Educational Institute (SCEI).
What was the idea behind setting up the shop, we wonder? “Our vocational products are always well appreciated and we having been selling out at exhibits and melas so the natural next step was to
to the running of the program including salaries and other running expenses so every little amount we earn is extremely impor tant in funding our programs although I must add that Liberty Books and Sam Abbas are carrying our products without any mark-up and we have received a lot of exposure due to their support,” apprised Saima. Some of the p r o d u c t s available at the shop are Truck Art Trays, Truck Art Envelopes, Truck Art Gift Bags, Truck Art Coasters, Truck Art Frames, Truck Art Hairband
find a permanent outlet. Ideally we would have liked to be situated in a commercial, public area7 so that our products could receive more exposure, creating more awareness towards individuals with Special needs but with the recent growth in retail outlets, we could not afford any commercial space. Although many retailers are willing to carry our products they demand 30% of the price, which leaves us with little profit margin. The income from our Vocational Products contributes
bags with felt, Felt Goody bags, Cushions, Piñatas and a few one of a kind recycled items. Talking about plans for the shop, Saima revealed— ”Every so often we will exhibit unique gift items from individual artists who will donate the profits to our Vocational Program. ”We look forward to your support to help us plant the seed of independence in children and individuals with special needs. A shop is the perfect setting for our products as it ensures maximum visibility needed to implement social change. Furthermore, our products are very reasonably priced, locally inspired and our line of Pinatas and Goody bags appeal to children of all ages. All proceeds go to the operating cost of our Vocational Program. All the income from the piñata sales goes directly home to our students as a stipend at the end of each term.” Special Children’s Educational Institute provides specialized education for the students throughout their childhood and the Vocational Center ensures a safe and stimulating environment all through their adulthood.
/ Clip, Truck Art Notebooks, Truck Art Belts, Decoupage Trays, Decoupage Tray Tables, Decoupage Folding Tables, Decoupage Wall Hangings, Cloth Gift Bags with Block printing, Cloth gift
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Your Stylist:
How to wear spring’s acid bright hues So you’ve been shopping like crazy, but every time you need to go out, somehow your wardrobe manages to eat up your clothes and you’re left with nothing. It’s a girl thing! Getting bored of your with your wardrobe. Not knowing what to wear? It’s just something I call ‘being a woman’ Let our stylist show you how!
..................................................................................................... Nida Ali The weather is heating up fast and if you’ve been looking for the perfect throw-on piece for all of summer’s fun occasions, turn to the jumpsuit. The jumpsuit is actually a perfect combination of comfort, style and dapper dressing and with everyone for this season. While some may see jumpsuits as a bold style choice, my reasons for loving them are simple: They eliminate the trouble of mixing and matching and they’re surprisingly versatile — a full pant jumpsuit is a top-notch choice for a dinner party, while shorter versions are perfect for a Saturday shopping excursion or a weekend getaway. Yellow is the trendiest color for your closet. Don’t forget to include some of your bright bracelets and necklaces, too — these looks are perfect for over-accessorizing
Sehyr Ansi- Don’t be intimidated by sharp colors, you can even pair black and
white dress with a little hints of yellow. The yellow accessory will work to bring out the color in the dress and tie your whole look together. Yellow is definitely the color of summer and this time around, it’s anything but mellow.
Monica Paracha summer is nearing and it’s just right time to search for ideal colors and dresses that could spare you from the scorching heat of this season. You don’t want to look over the top with bright hues and you just can’t afford to be under dressed as well. No worries, you can roam in style with yellow flowy dress and floral leggings! Add a pair of high heels and that dazzling smile to our outfit and you are sure to make heads turn, girl!
Hina Butt the sheer fabric will keeps you cool and the yellow color is just perfect
for a sunny day out! Palazzo pants are huge this season. Pair up your yellow top with palazzo pants, slip on a chic accessory and a pair of flats and you’re good to go! Don’t forget to dab on loads of sunscreen and a hint of gloss!!!
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Making Dreams Come True
By Rubia Moghees
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f you are aware of the latest trends in home décor and want to create an unmistakable style statement, head directly for Khas Lifestyle store. A complete one-stop solution for everything home related is what KHAS is all about. Recently opened in Gulberg with much fanfare; this one’s got everyone talking about for its exclusivity, choice in design and a vibrant color palette. Sadaqat Textiles, a name that has established itself for over five decades and
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continues to exert its prominence in bed linen especially for anyone who prefers the products to any other brand in the market. ‘We have been supplying to the top notch European and American retailers and stores like Harrods, Selfridges, House of Fraser and John Lewis and felt that it was the right time to introduce our product to the local market,’ Hina Shoaib who is the Managing Director of Khas told Lounge Magazine. The much talked about launch was attended by the glitterati along with
all those who came to see what the hype was all about. The KHAS launch was well taken care by Bilal Mukhtar Events and PR. The modern structure of KHAS is a classy shopping mainstay. You can walk in to pick out the ultra modern line of accessories including hand knotted and vegetable dyed carpets, sophisticated furniture, lamps, towels, crockery and even paintings of established and some upcoming artists. Hina Shoaib is excited for the prospects of the art work that gets
prominent display on the walls of the store. ‘The customer can visualize the room in a much better perspective with paintings and rugs giving additional geniality to the surroundings.’ An avid art collector who travel all over the world and pick up pieces for her existing décor, she herself will be available at the store for consultation with clients upon request. So how does she plan to keep the interest of the customers alive? The answer according to her lies in keeping abreast with international fads, rotating designs and developing new techniques. An ardent fan of Ralph Lauren; minimalist and a firm believer in less is more she doesn’t believe in cluttering up spaces. A one to one relationship with anyone who visits the store is high on her agenda, she’s very much open to ideas and suggestions from customers who are very special to her and is most happy when a buyer walks out of the store feeing satisfied that he has got the best deal in terms of quality and durability.
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Books
Selections from verse and fiction of 2012 By Syed Afsar Sajid
2012 ki Behtreen Sha’iri ka Intikhab Pages: 286; Price: Rs.300/-
2012 kay Behtreen AfsanoN ka Intikhab Pages: 536; Price:Rs.600/-
Compiled by: Muhammad Asim Butt Published by: Takhleeqat, 6-Begum Road, Mozang, Lahore 46 I May 26, 2013
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uhammad Asim Butt is a noted litterateur – with an avowed vocation for fiction (novel and short story), literary editing and translation. An MA in Philosophy, he served as a journalist for a few years, followed by a short stint as an NGO worker and then switching over to the editorship of the Pakistan Academy of Letters’ quarterly magazine Adabiyat. His aforementioned two anthologies form the subject of this review.
2012 ki Behtreen Sha’iri ka Intikhab
It is a representative collection of contemporary Urdu verse – ghazal (104) and nazm (80) – by both old and young poets with marked focus on the new generation of poets staying away from the known literary centres of the country but richly endowed with the gift of originality merged into the art and craft of versification. A cursory reading of the book would confirm the validity of the compiler’s assertion about its content. Aside from some fine specimens of ghazal by Ehsan Akbar, Ahmad Ali Kaif, Idrees Babar, Ashraf Javed, Ashraf Yusufi, Iqbal Kausar, Imdad Akash, Anwar Sadeed, Jalil Aali, Hammad Niazi, Khurshid Rabbani, Rashid Iqbal, Rana Saeed Doshi, Rifat Naheed, Shaheen Abbas, Sabir Zafar, Sughra Sadaf, Sofia Bedar, Tariq Naeem, Zafar Iqbal, Abdus Sattar Naeem, Qamar Raza Shahzad, Karamat Bokhari, Nasir Ali Syed, Nisar Turabi, and Nasir Ahmad Nasir, a random selection of verses from the ghazal section of the collection would hopefully appease the discreet reader’s curiosity about their quality: Har taraf tu nazar aata hai, jidhar jaata huN/Tairay imkan say hijrat nahi kar sakta maey (Anjum Salimi) Wohi likhi jo zabani kahi akailay may/Woh teergi may kahi thi keh raushni may kahi (Khalid Iqbal Yasir) Maey tairay saath huN laikin bahut akaila huN/Yeh aik baat nai hai, pae doosri wohi hai (Sa’ud Usmani) Waraq pay sirf khat-e-mustaqeem
‘It is a representative collection of contemporary Urdu verse – ghazal (104) and nazm (80) – by both old and young poets with marked focus on the new generation of poets staying away from the known literary centres of the country but richly endowed with the gift of originality merged into the art and craft of versification’ dhaiko gay/Nahi rahaiN gay yeh baatoN kay paich-o-kham mray ba’ad (Shinawar Ishaq) Khabar nahi kahaN bat-ti rahi matae-hayat/Suroor-e-baytalabi jism-ojaaN may aisa tha (Shahab Safdar) Naey safar say naey da’iray nikalnay lagay/Kisi bhi ranj ki tafseel kis say taey kartay (Uzma Naqvi) Mujhay iqrar kay ma’ani sikha kar/ Who khud inkar karta ja raha hai (Ali Jafar Zia) Daar pay sarbuland huN, sha’air-edil pasand huN/Lay kay urooj par mujhay saath mra hunar gaya (Ali Yasir) In the nazm section poems composed, among others, by Aftab Iqbal Shamim, Ahmad Hamaish, Iqtidar Javed, Parvin Tahir, Ayub Khawar, Sarwat Mohyuddin, Javed Anwar, Rafiq Sandhilvi, Zahid Masood, Shaheen Mufti, Shahzad Nayyar, Zia Hussain Zia, Abdur Rashid, Farrukh Yar, Faheem Shanas Kazmi, Qasim Yaqoob. Muhammad Salim-ur-Rahman, Maqsood Wafa, Mumtaz Athar, Naheed Qamar, and Yasmin Hameed would merit consideration in terms of their structural pattern and existential content.
2012 kay Behtreen AfsanoN ka Intikhab In the foreword to the book, the compiler avers that annual literary
selections are meant to provide a fore-view of the literary trends and tendencies and the changing patterns of relation between literature and society, as prevalent in a given period. In the instant publication, he seeks to present a wide collection of short stories (61) – not necessarily the best but surely a representative one – mostly drawing on the works of young and new writers including females. He has also cited names of the literary journals and magazines (Dunyazad, Collage, Ajra, and Ainda from Karachi; Savera, Lahore; Tanazur, Gujrat; Zar Nigar, Faisalabad; Mehr Nama and Harf from Quetta; Adabiyat, Islamabad, and Tasteer, Rawalpindi) from which he has borrowed the material for the instant collection.
‘The annual literary selections are meant to provide a fore-view of the literary trends and tendencies and the changing patterns of relation between literature and society, as prevalent in a given period’ Short stories by Ahmad Saghir Siddiqi, Anwar Sen Rai, Bushra Ejaz, Paidin Garan Achakzai, Parvin Atif, Hijab Abbasi, Hafeez Tahir, Khalid Fateh Muhammad, Zakaur-Rahman, Rashid Amjad, Raees Fatima, Zaib Azkar Hussain, Saira Ghulam Nabi, Sami Ahuja, Shahida Tabassum, Shibah Taraz, Syed Ali Mohsin, Sofia Bedar, Tahira Iqbal, Tal’at Naureen Sehar, Azra Asghar, Ali Tanha, Ghulam Farid Kathia, Faisal Nadim, Muhammad Aminuddin, Muhammad Hamid Siraj, Mahmood Ahmad Qazi, Najam-ul-Hassan Rizvi, and Neelam Ahmad Bashir are likely to attract the reader’s attention for the variety of their themes and treatment.
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