by 
Life is full of opportunity and beauty, as long as you are willing to fight for it. It is about finding yourself and the peace within, but sometimes that journey to self-discovery starts with pushing back.
There are always people who do not want to see you succeed. When first coming to Pakistan, I was not fluent in the common tongue, Urdu, and for that, I was bullied. But eventually, I decided that I would bully those who were bullying me, overcoming my language barrier and the people who viewed me as weak. This is me. Since I was a young man, I have been pushing myself and the authority around me. Always rebelling and fighting for a cause and what I felt was right and true to myself.
My journey of self-discovery started with beauty pageants, and even while living in a predominantly conservative, Muslim country, I went on to produce Best Model Pakistan. This organization was responsible for choosing a Pakistani representative to participate in various international beauty pageants with the aim to gain the country positive exposure and tourism. Once the Pakistani pageant representative was named, she would go on to be in the Miss International in Tokyo, Japan.
But this stirred up quite a bit of controversy among the country’s government, as they did not want a woman publicly representing Pakistan in pageants since their Islamic religion disapproved of such acts. This event led to a major newspaper and TV station jumping all over me in the press, but I didn’t care. They even called me into Islamabad where a General laughed at my young age, yet encouraged me to continue my journey of showing Pakistan’s softer side and to remain positive, all while we casually sipped on coffee. This showed me, that even once this chapter of my life moves onto the next one, I will continue to push the envelope of ideas and innovation.
My entrepreneurial adventures didn’t stop there. Not even close.
I wanted to pursue an interest that I had in the filmmaking industry by obtaining a diploma in Australia, but my father wanted me to go to school for Law. So why not do both? Dad didn’t think I would actually do it since good children from affluent families don’t normally indulge in careers like filmmaking. But I did it and even went on to produce and direct a film.
Beyond the scope of filmmaking, law, and beauty pageants, I have also been the founding member of several organizations such as Pakistan’s (SOME) Save Our Mother Earth as well as the Battle Against Diabetes (BAD).
I went on to do pageants and movies for about 16 years, attending fancy events hosted by icons like Frieha Altaf and Laiqa Hassan. But I eventually grew tired of the fakeness and lack of real support and relationships. While many people would consider it a life they envied, I couldn’t take it anymore and the gypsy soul inside me needed to be set free.
As I distanced myself from the spotlight, I began to feel at peace. The fake friendships faded away and I no longer had the pressure of the glamorous lifestyle holding me back, allowing me to explore myself through adventure and travel. This was really what my soul was craving. I needed new experiences. I believe that to succeed in life I need a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone. So I decided I wanted to use my keen learning and ambition to explore different social cultures. After all, for good ideas and true innovation, one needs human interaction, conflict, argument, and debate. Finding my soul’s inner peace, by realizing that not all glitter is gold, was the self-discovery that I needed.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
Admirable! You never disappoint readers ever. Thank You 👏
Mazhar I would like to thank you for always being a reader and for your kind words. I sincerely appreciate your support!
Fascinating article, Mani. I hope that you have found the inner peace you crave and you can use it to further your hopes and dreams. Take care today and always and stay away from those who would use you for who you are, or what you have.
True friends are like diamonds,
Precious and rare.
False ones, like stones,
Are found everywhere.
Doctor Adrian Holt, my dearest dearest and nearest friend I am quite touched by your nice words! Our friendship has shown to be resilient as it has weathered storms since the year 2000 or should I see the millennium. Even though our conversations these days have more in common with sporadic shooting stars than continuous sunshine, our mutual regard never wavers. But first, let’s deal with the big issue: this year, my birthday vanished from your calendar, which was quite the unexpected magic trick! 😁
Such an inspirational tale! I found it funny how the government was trying to save face by distancing themselves from you during the beauty contest and yet the army general was encouring you in private. The world needs more people like you who have the means and the motivation to stir up the status quo!
Dear Zoltan, I from the core of my heart appreciate your warm sentiments and thank you for them. I agree that life is more fun when this inner rebel is let go, just as you previously prophesied regarding my rebellious character. I think you’re a wonderful person who exudes positivity, and I appreciate your support.