Pakistani Transvestite TV show...

[Toony™®]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6111410.stm

"Darling, you are sooo naughty," purrs an elegant sari-clad woman glowing out of primetime television.

Going by the name of Begum (Lady) Nawazish Ali, she hosts an eponymous talk show that has taken Pakistan by storm.

Flirting and skirting her way through politics, society gossip and plain old sexual chemistry, Begum has become the most popular icon to inundate Pakistani fantasy in a while.

How is this possible in Pakistan where what is acceptable behaviour from female actors is still largely determined conservative Islamic values?

The answer lies in the identity of the Begum - who is a woman in every sense except the biological one.

"I am God's child," says a smiling Begum Nawazish Ali, or Ali Saleem to give him his birth name, talking to the BBC in his "normal guise".

Clad in jeans and T-shirt, 27-year-old Ali talked passionately about his life and work.

"As long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a woman," he declares.

Twirling his shoulder length curly brown hair, Ali looks wistfully in the distance as he recounts how it was growing up in Pakistan for someone so unconventional.

"My father was in the army and we used to move around quite a bit," he says.

With his parents, he accepts there were problems, leading to his examination by a psychologist when he was 14-years-old.

The psychologist, however, allayed all fears, and "from that time on my parents were totally behind me".

That Ali was different from other boys was quite evident from his interests.

"I loved playing with dolls and dressing up with my female cousins to whom I have always been very close," he recounts.

In those days of innocence, he would often dream of becoming a woman.

"I wanted to be Sri Devi, Nazia Hasan, Benazir Bhutto... all the beautiful and powerful women in my world," explains Ali.

'Worst period'

Gifted with a great voice and a natural sense of the theatrical, he delighted in displaying his talents.

That was in the early 1990s in Islamabad. Soon after, in 1995, Ali shifted with his family to Karachi.

This was "the worst period in my life", he confesses, with his parents going through a divorce.

It was during these depressing days that Ali met "Yasmin, who made everything possible".

Yasmin Ismail was one of Pakistani television's finest actresses, who died of cancer last year.

"She was the best thing that ever happened to me," says the screen star.

Ali explains how Ismail introduced him to theatre, groomed his natural histrionics and generally played the part of his mentor.

"She was my mother, father and best friend," says Ali wistfully, adding "I give her 100% credit for any success I have achieved."

Ismail was involved in a popular theatre group called Gripps, and that was where Ali started out.

"My first performance was in a play called 'Art ya Atta' (Art or Bread) in May 1998," Ali says. He did an impersonation of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in the play.

"When I spoke, there was pin drop silence and then the house came down," he exclaims.

The applause was thunderous and the show did record business.

The next six years were those of learning and growth. During these times, Ali expanded his repertoire with considerable success.

In March 2004, the idea for transvestite chat show hostess Begum Nawazish Ali first came up during a discussion with friends Nadeem Baig and Omar Adil, a national TV host, in Lahore.

"Omar said that he saw me as much more than the typical characters I was doing and we came up with the idea of this middle aged divorced socialite who knows everybody," gushes out Ali.

Initially, Ali promoted it with GEO, one of the largest TV channels. That deal failed to materialize and rival channel Aaj took up the challenge, quickly putting out a pilot.

"Nadeem was Director entertainment and he told me to bring it over," Ali explains. Aaj moved quickly, and a pilot was soon out.

"It was like nothing anybody had seen," says Azfar Ali, a local television producer. "The most amazing thing was the fact that he was able to deliver it all in a way that the masses could relate to it."

No sooner had the first programme finished than the show was the talk of the town.

From politicians to movie stars to sportsmen, all have had their turn on the show.

So popular has the show become that a sitting federal minister specially requested to be invited.

That may have been unnecessary, as Ali smiles and declares saucily, "I never refuse anyone anything".

The show is not without critics, who accuse it of trivialising politics in a country that has had more than its fill of dictators.

Ali denies this, saying "our politicians have been destroyed under a well thought campaign", adding "I want them to be popular again".

Furthermore, he says that the military - such a powerful influence in Pakistan - have been deliberately kept out of the show.

"I believe that democracy is the only option for us, and this is my contribution to the cause," Ali says determinedly.

He also wants to show what kind of country Pakistan really is, in contrast to the 'Terrorism Central' nation that it is often portrayed as.

"And I will do it," Begum exclaims and, smiling seductively, adds "after all who can resist me?"

[in_cutter]

[Daoud]

Did you really need to tell us this Toony?

[hindsy]

this stuff is not necessary in any society.... if people want to be like that, do it in the privacy of your own home, there is no need to broadcast it on tv to the world really is there?

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Daoud Did you really need to tell us this Toony?

it is on pakistani tv..person is pakistani..so..yeah.

the next dame edna or lily savage...

[Daoud]

Originally Posted by Toony™® it is on pakistani tv..person is pakistani..so..yeah. the next dame edna or lily savage...

I said it in a joking way. As in we were better off not knowing about this

As for Begum Edna, I cant quite see the fad catching on, but even then its hardly a show of culture/progression

[Oxy]

I ve seen this show on Sky Digital (Venus Channel)

He cant win - he either looks like an ugly woman, or a camp guy.

He says in real life he is attracted to both men & women.

These khusray types are integral within Pak society - and have been given a 'cult' status for so long, it was inevitable that eventuially one would become 'famous'!

[Nauman]

I dont know how in the world this show got so popular in Pakistan, I personally hate the show.

[MIG]

They always appear at wedding time asking for money etc - dont they ?

[Gasherbrum]

i've seen a few episodes. the guy (using the term loosely) is intelligent and the show fairly well done.

[Oxy]

He kisses all the female guests, but none of the men!

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by MIG They always appear at wedding time asking for money etc - dont they ?

lol absolutely...

[Salman]

Around the time of my wedding in Karachi, my brother in law thought it would be funny to get one to during the mehndi to try and annoy me, he went all the way to meena bazzar to arrange for one to turn up, when he found a willing tranny, but the tranny would only agree to come if it got a lift with my brother in law on his motorcycle. ...

He came back alone...

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Salman Around the time of my wedding in Karachi, my brother in law thought it would be funny to get one to during the mehndi to try and annoy me, he went all the way to meena bazzar to arrange for one to turn up, when he found a willing tranny, but the tranny would only agree to come if it got a lift with my brother in law on his motorcycle. ... He came back alone...

Hes no brother if he cant make those sorts of sacrifices!

[Nauman]

Originally Posted by Gasherbrum i've seen a few episodes. the guy (using the term loosely) is intelligent and the show fairly well done.

The show is quite bold from what you normally see in Pakistan, usually the questions asked are boderline vulgar. Yet surprisingly all the celebrities are dying to show up on his/her show.

[Kashif]

Anyone who has never seen the show would understandably mock it. I agree with Gasher, amazingly it works. Begum comes across as an intelligent believable person instantly putting any guest at ease. I think you can watch it on Venus TV in the UK. I have seen nothing like it before on Pakistan Television.

[Nauman]

Originally Posted by Kashif Anyone who has never seen the show would understandably mock it. I agree with Gasher, amazingly it works. Begum comes across as an intelligent believable person instantly putting any guest at ease. I think you can watch it on Venus TV in the UK. I have seen nothing like it before on Pakistan Television.

Another begum Nawazish fan eh

[Oxy]

As a presenter, he is smooth - very professional, and I watched it for the 'novelty factror' - but I found it a bit uncomfortable and vulgar in places, so havent watched it since.

His family have disowned him apparently - now there's a surprise!

[MIG]

Originally Posted by Gasherbrum i've seen a few episodes. the guy (using the term loosely) is intelligent and the show FAIRY well done.

eh?

[Wiji]

I'm guessing there is no capital punishment for homosexuals in Pakistan.

[suhaib]

it really depends on who the guests are, it can be boring or it can be good.

but india where quick to copy it and start there own.

[the Great Khan]

no surprise that thus show has appeared on our screens...get ready for worse..unless you like this sort of thing!!

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Oxy As a presenter, he is smooth - very professional, and I watched it for the 'novelty factror' - but I found it a bit uncomfortable and vulgar in places, so havent watched it since. His family have disowned him apparently - now there's a surprise!

i thought his immediate family backed him.

The psychologist, however, allayed all fears, and "from that time on my parents were totally behind me". That Ali was different from other boys was quite evident from his interests. "I loved playing with dolls and dressing up with my female cousins to whom I have always been very close," he recounts.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Toony™® i thought his immediate family backed him.

In interviews he talks of his sadness re: his mother's disappointment. I wont search for it though...wasted far too much time on this creature!

[Wazeeri]

Man woman or Khusra no one should be allowed to act Vulgar on TV.

[Mutazalzaluzzaman Tarar]

I don't think he's that good purely from a professional point of view. there isn't much there apart from the novelty factor. some of his guests have been interesting like Fariha Altaf but I'm not interested in Khar or Sheeda Talli.

difficult to believe that someone like him worked with a great actress like Yasmin Ismail. she was a wonderful artist. I read the whole article just because he mentioned her name. her death was tragic and a big loss to Pakistani drama.

[nafajafam]

Originally Posted by Mutazalzaluzzaman Tarar I don't think he's that good purely from a professional point of view. there isn't much there apart from the novelty factor. some of his guests have been interesting like Fariha Altaf but I'm not interested in Khar or Sheeda Talli. difficult to believe that someone like him worked with a great actress like Yasmin Ismail. she was a wonderful artist. I read the whole article just because he mentioned her name. her death was tragic and a big loss to Pakistani drama.

yaar was/is sheeda talli someone real or it is fictious? have heard the name many times.

[Nauman]

Originally Posted by nafajafam yaar was/is sheeda talli someone real or it is fictious? have heard the name many times.

LOL Sheeda Talli is Sheikh Rasheed (MNA)

[Mutazalzaluzzaman Tarar]

Originally Posted by nafajafam yaar was/is sheeda talli someone real or it is fictious? have heard the name many times.

well I use it for Sheikh Rasheed. but I believe it is just a fictitious nickname much like saying someone is a Maaja Gaama.

[nafajafam]

i see i see. thanks guys.

[sana]

Ali has a page on Wiki as well. i know the guy. he was in my university. he's really sweet.

but i'm totally against promoting gays and homos, esp. on national TV.

[Wazeeri]

Plus the way the guy acts is so disgusting. It shouldn't be allowed no matter what your sexuality is.

[Wiji]

Aren't Khusras homo? And isn't it a crime in Pakistan to be homo? I'm a bit confused...

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Wiji Aren't Khusras homo? And isn't it a crime in Pakistan to be homo? I'm a bit confused...

oh dear

[Nauman]

Originally Posted by Wiji Aren't Khusras homo? And isn't it a crime in Pakistan to be homo? I'm a bit confused...

Dont put so much strain on yourself over such a trivial issue, chill out

[161]

MIG

Quote:
Originally Posted by Gasherbrum
i've seen a few episodes. the guy (using the term loosely) is intelligent and the show FAIRY well done.



eh?

[Daoud]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed oh dear

This thread has had so many puns and it has the potential for so much more

[Wazeeri]

I think from his story it is pretty clear that he isn't a hermaphrodite which is acceptable in Islam but a transvestite and a homosexual which is strictly against Islam and against the Pakistani law.

The authorities should take action.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Wazeeri The authorities should take action.

I am sure they will - by giving him/her/it another series...

[PakFan1983]

I haven't posted on the forum before, so forgive me if I break any rules. That being said, I am slightly concerned at the tone of some of the replies on this thread.

For one thing, the fact that someone is gay or straight is a personal issue. It is not something that warrants such comments as "the authorities should take action". I have seen the show a few times, and it makes for interesting watching, so we should atleast give respect to the guy for putting himself out there and following the dreams he has.

Also, for all of those who are quick to judge on this issue. In Islam, we are taught not to judge others, to not just "tolerate" but show compassion to those around us. We all make choices with regards to religion, and we all try our best. But to judge others for the choices they make is frankly....abit narrowminded. So instead of always going to the ayats that suggest homosexuality is sinful, I suggest you take in and understand the first sentence of the Quran. After all Allah is rahim, he is the one to whom anyone is answerable. Not us..

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by PakFan1983 I haven't posted on the forum before, so forgive me if I break any rules. That being said, I am slightly concerned at the tone of some of the replies on this thread. For one thing, the fact that someone is gay or straight is a personal issue. It is not something that warrants such comments as "the authorities should take action". I have seen the show a few times, and it makes for interesting watching, so we should atleast give respect to the guy for putting himself out there and following the dreams he has. Also, for all of those who are quick to judge on this issue. In Islam, we are taught not to judge others, to not just "tolerate" but show compassion to those around us. We all make choices with regards to religion, and we all try our best. But to judge others for the choices they make is frankly....abit narrowminded. So instead of always going to the ayats that suggest homosexuality is sinful, I suggest you take in and understand the first sentence of the Quran. After all Allah is rahim, he is the one to whom anyone is answerable. Not us..

Quite a lot of the replies have been more cultural observations - are we not able to object on cultural grounds? I personally dont know enough in terms of the religious side of it.

[cinderella]

Excuse me while I go throw up.

[khanpuria]

Originally Posted by cinderella Excuse me while I go throw up.

whats up?

[sana]

Originally Posted by PakFan1983 I haven't posted on the forum before, so forgive me if I break any rules. That being said, I am slightly concerned at the tone of some of the replies on this thread. For one thing, the fact that someone is gay or straight is a personal issue. It is not something that warrants such comments as "the authorities should take action". I have seen the show a few times, and it makes for interesting watching, so we should atleast give respect to the guy for putting himself out there and following the dreams he has. Also, for all of those who are quick to judge on this issue. In Islam, we are taught not to judge others, to not just "tolerate" but show compassion to those around us. We all make choices with regards to religion, and we all try our best. But to judge others for the choices they make is frankly....abit narrowminded. So instead of always going to the ayats that suggest homosexuality is sinful, I suggest you take in and understand the first sentence of the Quran. After all Allah is rahim, he is the one to whom anyone is answerable. Not us..

i agree 100 % to what you said abt judging people. there are good muslims in this world and there are bad muslims too but only Allah knows who's good and who's bad.

i respect him as a friend, always have and always will. he is a very very nice guy but what i dont like is the concept of cross dressing on TV as it can influence others to do so who are inclined towards it or may be i'm just being too conservative here.

[PakFan1983]

Differences based on cultural background is fine. But at the end of the day, we all are inherently the same. I don't understand what the big deal is about gay or straight people. You love who you love, its kind of simple. What amazes me though is why people think that gay people "chose" to be gay. Who in their right mind would open themselves upto such enormous discrimination because of who they sleep with unless they were gay?

I am just asking for you to put yourselves in their shoes, before making a judgement.

[cinderella]

Originally Posted by PakFan1983 Differences based on cultural background is fine. But at the end of the day, we all are inherently the same. I don't understand what the big deal is about gay or straight people. You love who you love, its kind of simple. What amazes me though is why people think that gay people "chose" to be gay. Who in their right mind would open themselves upto such enormous discrimination because of who they sleep with unless they were gay? I am just asking for you to put yourselves in their shoes, before making a judgement.

When Islam has clearly condemned something, how can we as Muslims deem is acceptable?

[PakFan1983]

Thanks Sana! I appreciate the reply. I am not a fan of cross dressing either. But cross-dressing and being gay are two completely different things. Just thought I would stick up for my gay friends!

[sana]

Originally Posted by PakFan1983 Differences based on cultural background is fine. But at the end of the day, we all are inherently the same. I don't understand what the big deal is about gay or straight people. You love who you love, its kind of simple. What amazes me though is why people think that gay people "chose" to be gay. Who in their right mind would open themselves upto such enormous discrimination because of who they sleep with unless they were gay? I am just asking for you to put yourselves in their shoes, before making a judgement.

true. if it's harmones then it's a different matter but if people are doing it just to "live life to it's fullest", "try everything before they die" (not a common concept for Muslims due to cultural barriers), then i think it's not right. again it's something personal and we shouldn't judge them.

[akpower]

Originally Posted by PakFan1983 I haven't posted on the forum before, so forgive me if I break any rules. That being said, I am slightly concerned at the tone of some of the replies on this thread. For one thing, the fact that someone is gay or straight is a personal issue. It is not something that warrants such comments as "the authorities should take action". I have seen the show a few times, and it makes for interesting watching, so we should atleast give respect to the guy for putting himself out there and following the dreams he has. Also, for all of those who are quick to judge on this issue. In Islam, we are taught not to judge others, to not just "tolerate" but show compassion to those around us. We all make choices with regards to religion, and we all try our best. But to judge others for the choices they make is frankly....abit narrowminded. So instead of always going to the ayats that suggest homosexuality is sinful, I suggest you take in and understand the first sentence of the Quran. After all Allah is rahim, he is the one to whom anyone is answerable. Not us..

Doing something that is wrong from a moral standpoint is a person's choice. But when a certain negative deed is encouraged in any way it could lead to others following it and it could end up corrupting the society. Its is the right of a person to do whatever he or she wants, but there are certain boundaries that need not be crossed. He can cross dress all he wants in his personal space, but on television..?? I think bigger culprits are the people who put him in that show.

[Wazeeri]

For one thing, the fact that someone is gay or straight is a personal issue.

No it isn't as it is a social issue and the following hadith supports it.
Why would there be a punishment for it if it was a personal issue?

al-Tirmidhi (1456), Abu Dawood (4462)and Ibn Maajah (2561) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever you find doing the action of the people of Loot, execute the one who does it and the one to whom it is done.”.

instead of always going to the ayats that suggest homosexuality is sinful, I suggest you take in and understand the first sentence of the Quran.

There is a reason why the Quran has more than just the first Ayat. It is clear that Homosexuality is a sin which we are supposed to react to with a huth punishment.

But cross-dressing and being gay are two completely different things. Just thought I would stick up for my gay friends!

Indeed they are different but from the above reports the guy flirts with men and has said that he finds men attractive. This kind of fahisha should not be tolerated and definitely should be sensored.

As far as cross dressing goes

5546. 'Ikrima related that Ibn 'Abbas, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, cursed effeminine men and masculine women."

What amazes me though is why people think that gay people "chose" to be gay.

Unless there is evidence to the contrary we can't assume that they are born this way. There are many successful treatments for men who are homosexual to change back. It must be a choice if Allah has set a punishment for it.