Good Morning Karachi

-NEWS REPORT ON RADIO

-'Conservative hardliners set fire

'to posters featuring women during a religious procession in Karachi.

'A spokesman said advertisements were obscene.

'He also said they were against Islam and Sharia...'

VOICES SHOUTING

This programme contains some strong language

-RADIO:

-'So how was your weekend?

'All I can remember is that I ate quite a bit,

'just a little too much, perhaps.

'This is Good Morning, Karachi!

'It's a brand-new week or, as they say, a new beginning.

'Don't forget, you can follow JMK on Twitter and Facebook.

'Here's something to wake you up this morning.'

MUSIC PLAYS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPE PLAYS

-'Black or with milk, sir?'

-Black or with milk, sir?

-'I want to visit several nightclubs.'

-I want to visit several nightclubs.

Out!

Get out!

I'm sick of having you in my room, you little fart!

You are taking me to work with you today, right?

It's up to your mother.

-I'll just take it from him!

-That's enough!

Rosie Khala! I cannot stay in that apartment for a minute.

-Please take me with you!

-You heard your mother.

-Khala! Take me with you.

-She worries about you.

She will make me go with you if you ask her! Look at your hands.

-These are old!

-Training you is going to be more work than help for me.

I promise I will make your work easy.

You never stop! OK, just this once. Let's talk to your mother.

Rafina. Stay in your place.

-I've come back from America after so long.

-Back to Pakistan again.

No Fifth Avenue, no New York Times. Same men.

It's so different in New York.

The men our age are dating and having fun.

-When is he coming back from America?

-God knows when he'll return now.

He's gone there and... Ouch! The wax is so hot!

Rosie, you know how delicate my skin is.

You mean, how beautiful your skin is, madam. It's this girl.

She's a bit nervous today

because I told her what an important client you are to me.

She learns fast.

You just can't get a decent bagel in Karachi.

My son has them flown in sometimes.

Please, turn over. You have such beautiful skin, madam.

You know what I think? Imran spends money like water.

That girl must think she has married a maharajah's son. White trash.

-Please check, madam.

-Done?

Done?! Let me be the judge of that!

You made more work for me today! Some helper(!)

Not helper, Rosie Khala! Please! Assistant.

Better English.

Now you're teaching me English?! Every word you speak I taught you!

I could never damage your work, Rosie Khala.

I know how important extra money is for you.

I don't think you do, Rafina.

I want to work with you at Radiance. I want to go to the real saloon.

Radiance. And it's salon, not saloon, you crazy girl.

-Will you talk to your boss about me?

-When the time is right.

-That's now!

-They want me to get married.

-Rafina, you have a lot to learn.

Don't expect too much too soon. Let me get your mother's shampoo.

Oh, these Benazir posters!

A young girl has to be watched very carefully.

There'll be no hanky panky when Rosie's around.

Arif wants justice. Head in the clouds, feet in the party.

I put food on the table. It's not easy, you know.

-Please take me with you tomorrow. Please.

-No. You have a lot to learn.

You didn't get a tip today because you were laughing.

I tell my clients they're beautiful and the more I tell them,

the better the tip. I got 1,000 rupees today and you got nothing!

Think about that.

Good night.

Rafina?

'What a way to end the week, Karachi.

'A mixed marathon, that is women and men running together,

'has mullahs screaming for their blood.

'They say Pakistan was made in the name of Allah

'and a mixed marathon is un-Islamic.

'What do you think? Send in your thoughts...'

You can only work for two months.

Rafina! We go this way.

-Rafina, we go this way.

-Why not here?

-Good morning, Nawal.

-Hello, Rosie.

-I brought that girl with me.

-Oh, I see.

Do you have a diploma?

I've learned with Rosie Khala.

-I've been teaching her in my spare time.

-So no training or diploma?

But, of course, for Rosie's sake, we'll try you out for a week.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Rosie Khala, why can't I have the purple one?

If they keep you, you'll get the purple one.

CHATTER IN SALON

Girls, do you know what I'd really like to wear tonight?

One of those white wedding dresses with the long trains

and the flowers on my head. I would love that.

And I always thought I would get married in a white dress. Always.

Like the ones we used to wear when we were kids

and running around the room?

If you wanted that, you should have married one of those cute boys

from college as opposed to settling for a sweet little Muslim boy.

You are a beauty, a natural beauty.

-Rosie Khala, her hands are gorgeous, no?

-That's so sweet of you.

-Why don't you tell her what that fucked glow is all about, then?

-What?

What? You're not a virgin yourself?

Are you?!

Leave her alone, she's fine.

Well, you, missy, had better hope

your dear mummy-in-law doesn't find out what you've been up to.

(Fucked glow...)

-Can you make tea?

-Yes.

I mean, not the stuff you people drink. I mean, proper tea.

And can you serve it without spilling it on somebody's lap?

Of course.

-Shall I get her started?

-Please do.

Come on, girl.

(Thank you.)

Billboards are the truths. The art of our times.

They summarise the hopes,

dreams and aspirations of the people they are made for.

There are more girls interested in modelling every year.

Despite what some idiots say about Pakistanis being

a bunch of backward fundamentalists.

We are the women's revolution this country has been waiting for.

Our job is to help women realise their dreams

so the mullahs can't hold back

the sea change happening in this country.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TAPE 'It's hot, isn't it?

'I would like to get a hot chocolate, please.

'I would like to explore the city.

'I would like to see London by night.

'What is famous about this place?

'He was very boastful about his career.

'Will you show me a seat plan for the theatre?

'I want to go clubbing.

'Where shall I...?' TAPE STOPS

Power cut. Don't worry,

soon power cuts for Princess Rafina will be a thing of the past.

Rafina!

SHE LAUGHS

Stop!

Hurry up! Hurry up!

We are running very late.

-Deepak?

-Yeah?

-We are running late and her phone is off.

Her phone is always off.

Girl. Come here. Come here.

Turn around.

Very nice. Can you try these on?

My model is not here and I need to do a fitting.

Come on, go, shoes. And come back in two minutes. Go.

-Are you insane?

-Relax.

I want my food for the models, I want water, that's a requirement.

Deepak, I am so sorry, darling. Can you ever forgive me?

You're 20 minutes late.

You know, I would have thrown you out, but you're still my girl.

No harm done, come on.

Get your first outfit, I'll get the alterations done by that time.

Here's your first outfit, where's the second one?

Oh, the second outfit. She is wearing the second outfit.

Sweetie, I'm so sorry. My model is here,

you have to take this outfit off and give it to her. Come on. Thank you.

-Gentlemen, is this all Radiance has to offer?

-Excuse me.

You obviously haven't seen her. She is my fun to work with model.

-Too visible.

-I know what you are looking for.

I know exactly what he's looking for.

She's adored by everyone.

She is not too off the mark,

but the amount of trouble her husband causes on shoots,

for my ad agency, she just isn't worth it.

-Excuse me.

-Personally, I don't think married women should model anyway.

I mean, our culture is so insecure about women,

they want to own them and possess them.

And now they also want to show them off to their friends.

Manhood versus economics.

Economics until six in the evening and then it's manhood all the way.

To get back, we understand that you are looking for

a very specific kind of girl.

Right now, most of your customers are women.

Black or with milk, sir?

With lots of milk and two sugars.

Anyway, women, and they are united by this one unique characteristic.

Let's call it enlightened innocence.

That's a fantastic phrase. I'm going to use that.

The face of the woman you are looking for

is a face that has seen a lot,

but hasn't been corrupted by what it has seen.

That's hard. Am I right?

-Do you have any like her?

-Yes, we have several portfolios.

Anjo. She's my easy to work with model.

-Why are you still here?

-Waiting to see if you need anything else.

We'll call you if we do. Thank you.

Farhad, you've found your girl.

She has country beauty, urban beauty, innocence. It was all there.

She was auditioning for you the whole time.

If you succeed in this photo shoot,

we'll give you some lessons in walking.

Give you practical experience

in your first runway show later this month.

And who knows, you might even come to Paris with us.

How much do I get for the photo shoot tomorrow?

How about we settle for 4,000 rupees?

It's less than you would normally get,

but we'll see how it goes and take it from there.

-How much does a model usually get?

-About 7,000.

I'd like 6,000, then.

And... I'd like a car to pick me up too.

Let's see how this goes, Rafina.

All right, if it goes well,

I'll get a car to pick me up and I guess I might need a phone too.

Anything to add to that, Jamal?

How about, congratulations, Rafina.

For lovely skin, use Oliva.

-RADIO:

-'Conservative hardliners set fire

'to posters featuring women

'during a religious procession in Karachi.

'A spokesman said the advertisements were obscene. He also said...'

' They condemned the government...'

That's fine.

That's nice.

All right, now.

Take a step back.

Come to the left, come to the left. Keep your back straight now.

Look into the camera, all right? Yes.

You should use her for your whole campaign. The ichai girl.

Think of it. She could be a hot commodity.

Rafina, how are you supposed to be a model?

Not a model the size of my fingernail.

I am not going to be just a model the size of your fingernail.

Then what are you going to be? A waxing woman?

Some day, I could be the giant face on the ichai billboards.

I'm going to be like the women in Paris, New York and London.

I'm going to have my own apartment, my own separate life.

-You don't need your family?

-Modern women have cats as their family.

'News over the weekend - former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto,

'the alleged corruption diva, is all set to return to Pakistan.

'Do you think she should come back or stay where she is?

'You can text your thoughts or call in.

'This is Good Morning, Karachi and this one is for you,

'struggling to wake up!'

POP MUSIC PLAYS

-Rafina, are you slouching? Can she be slouching?

-Not in my agency.

Get over there. Come on!

Watch.

Stand straight, relax your shoulders, arch your back,

crisscross your feet, look straight, walk.

Your turn.

Come on, I haven't got time for this, Rafina. Come on.

Listen.

Imagine there's a string in your belly

and it's tugging you forward, it's pulling you forward.

Now walk.

Feel the tension.

Look straight ahead.

Relax those shoulders, arch your back.

This is your domain, you're the queen of the ramp.

Feel it, sense it!

Try again.

These are your car-service vouchers.

I think we also spoke about...

Oh, it's so pretty.

This will be deducted from your earnings, of course.

SOUNDTRACK ONLY

-I've never seen anything like this, ever.

-Well, get used to it.

Welcome to your life.

SOUNDTRACK ONLY

TV: 'Police used excessive force against lawyers in front of

'the Supreme Court on Saturday while they were protesting.

'Private television channels have been asked to bring footage

'to substantiate their claims that police used brutal force

'against journalists and lawyers.

'Interestingly, the suo motu notice has been taken on a public holiday.

'The journalist community vented their anger at the brutal...'

MELLOW SONG ON CAR STEREO

Stop here.

Here?

I have to go.

Rafina!

CAR HORN BEEPS

MEN AND WOMEN SHOUT

SHOUTING CONTINUES

'Welcome back. This is Good Morning, Karachi, how are you this morning?

'The city is struggling to get back to some sort of normalcy

'after yesterday's bomb blast but I know you will, Karachi.

'I know you will.

'Coming up very shortly, news from Karachi Fashion Week.

'Due to security concerns, the location of the event

'in Karachi has not been disclosed.

'And this one especially for you, ladies...'

'Welcome back. This is Good Morning, Karachi, how are you this morning?

'The city is struggling to get back to some kind of normalcy

'after yesterday's bomb blast but I know you will, Karachi.

'I know you will.

'Coming up very shortly, news from Karachi Fashion Week.

'Due to security concerns

'the location of the event in Karachi has not been disclosed.

'And this one especially for you, ladies...'

SHE CRASHES DOWN

Rosie Khala!

Rosie Khala? What happened? I'll get you help.

You look so beautiful.

Rosie Khala, I'm going to get you help. All right?

No! Rosie Khala?

Rosie Khala!

The show can't happen.

-PJ:

-Look, Rafina, this is a big night for Radiance and for you.

This is your launch. You're the star of the show.

It cannot happen without you.

Rosie would understand best.

I promise I'll get you to the funeral on time.

Don't tell Jamal about Rosie.

This is a big deal for Radiance.

I don't want him troubled.

LIGHT THUMPING ON CAR

After tonight...

your life will change.

PUMPING DANCE MUSIC

HUBBUB OF VOICES

WOMAN CHANTS PRAYERS

OTHER WOMEN JOIN PRAYER

So how did you like the show?

I loved the show. Rafina was great.

If I could believe that she's serious about modelling,

and was willing to stick with us for a long haul,

I'd renew with Radiance in a second.

We can make that work.

PRAYERS CONTINUE

Rafina. Wait till you see the afterparty I planned in your honour.

-Where have you been? I've messaged you a zillion times.

-Why?

-I was busy.

-I can see that.

Rafina says she can't come to the afterparty. Tell her she must, PJ.

Oh, what's another hour or two, Rafina?

You know I would love to,

but I'm simply overwhelmed by this amazing day.

I think it would be too much.

I totally agree.

That's why you'll only stay ten minutes,

so I can show you what we did in your honour.

You need to spend a few minutes with Fahad.

First class or second class...

Look. There's Fahad.

-Jamal, hey, come here.

-Raz!

You have to meet Raz.

-Jamal, I should...

-He's one of the best fashion photographers.

-How are you, Raz?

-Good to see you, man.

-Rafina, meet Raz and Shaz.

Hopefully you'll get to work with them soon.

Don't go too far. I'm your ride.

You were fantastic today, congratulations.

This girl is marvellous.

I'm off, take care.

-Bye, ladies.

-Bye.

Now, where's the car?

CHANTING

WAILING

Rafina.

Rafina. Can I drop you home?

I just found out about Rosie.

I'm so sorry.

I missed her funeral.

How could I?

You did it for Radiance.

You didn't mean to.

You tried to do both.

For what it's worth, thank you.

I know you loved her.

I used to hate everything about my part of the city.

But I don't hate it at all any more.

In fact, I like a lot of it.

Some parts I love.

What do you love?

The Gola ganda.

You know they don't use mineral water to make it, don't you?

I've always wondered why Gola ganda can be made from mineral water

and served in a bowl for 150 rupees.

You are very important to me, Rafina, you are special.

You won Fahad over.

I did?

..is you.

He just called me.

Would you stop the car, please?

We did it, Rosie Khala.

TV: 'Good morning, Karachi, it's election fever all over again.

'Frenzied preparations for Benazir's election rally are under way

'admit huge security threats, but not to worry, Karachi,

'you will prevail, you always do.

'For more on the election, follow GMK...'

Arif!

Arif.

TV: 'The blast took place when the caravan was inching past Karsaz area

'in Shahrah-e-Faisal

'when the PPP chairperson was to make a speech.

'It was a scene of carnage at the blast site,

'with human limbs scattered all around.

'The blast swept up panic among the PPP supporters who ran to safety.'

TV: 'Reports are coming in from the general hospital where doctors

'have just confirmed the death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

'who was leaving an election rally when a gunman shot her in the neck

'and set off a bomb.

'Angry protests have already gripped many cities of Pakistan,

'especially Karachi, where 11 deaths have been reported so far.

'Security forces have been placed on a state of red alert.'

Well done, Rafina, it is a proper size now.

All the kids at school were excited about your face on the tea box.

You are smart, do what you want, but not living alone.

Welcome back after the break on this Karachi morning.

Guest Corner is on.

Today we have Rafina.

She's a model, and she is talk of the town.

So what does the future hold in store for Rafina?

What is behind "unveil your loving glow"?

The mullahs are saying I'm trying to instigate something.

I seriously don't know what they mean.

But your newest campaign is causing quite a stir.

The woman you see on the billboard is my Rosie.

They say she is unreal

and it is immoral,

but I am a simple person from Faisal Colony,

I do not think like them. I love her.

I love her face and I'm proud to show it.

Unveil your loving glow

means exactly what it says.

Show your love.