The hustle bustle behind the big picture
In a week’s time, on a spring morning, I landed in Lahore, Pakistan for a mesmerizing shoot and my tough schedule required me back immediately. Although I was travelling solo, my excitement made the journey seem short and I was eagerly anticipating the shoot which was to begin the very same day; but to my surprise the welcome was bland! Not like I asked for it, women never do; but I expected it. Instead, in a couple of hours it was I who welcomed the team!
“You guys should have welcomed me, instead I am welcoming y’all!”, I said in a playfully, complaining tone.
However, the giggles, the laughs and the volume of work took away the grievance and we turned professional in no time. It started with my makeup, meanwhile the rest of the team got the exquisite location ready for the shoot. To my pleasant surprise the campaign was called, “Hum, Shanzay aur Bahar Kay Rung”, and it made me blush! We sang along, and foreseeing the long day ahead, took quick nibbles of our chicken cheese sandwiches. Years of experience helped me contain my excitement, but to tell you the truth, I was genuinely happy like a little girl who had probably received her favorite doll house!
In no time, the vanity room was swarming with clothes and the girls helped me put on the first dress out of the fourteen that hung, waiting to be flaunted. And you guys, I looked dreamy! Just like those girls in the magazines I grew up looking at.
“You look even dreamier. Enchanting. Hypnotizing!”, said my stylish.
I blushed.
“Beautiful! The set’s ready for you. Let’s get started!”, the photographer called!
Take a look at Shanzay’s Shoot!
Lights. Camera. Action.
I took my position and gave my best, and the camera flashed and clicked while the music played, the classical music of old mingled with the cool, spring air. The hours went by as I changed from one outfit to another, a makeup retouch here and there, fixing my hair just a bit and I was back on the set.
“One more. Look right”.
“Fix her shirt”.
“Perfect! Now hands in your pockets. Good, yes.”
“How many dresses left?”
“Just one”, a voice called.
“What time is your flight to Karachi today?”, the designer asked.
“In two hours I ought to be at the airport. I am in Lahore just for the shoot. Then after two days I’m travelling back to the UK”.
“Tough schedule, man. We’re glad you made time for us!”
After a quick tea, we were back on the set, wearing the last outfit. The stylist repeated the makeup and hair fix while the lights went on and I took my position”.
Click. Click. Click. Flash.
“Pack up!”
What’s Buzzing? Hum, Shanzay aur Bahar Kay Rung!