I am going to dedicate this [long but intriguing post!] to my dad.

I occasionally mention my dad when I’m blogging or having a good old rant about family but a sweet and tender moment which lead to a nice conversation on Friday night, with my dad has given me a reason to write about it today. It will probably be a delicate post but it’s something I feel I must do [this will hopefully link perfectly to my next post, which will be posted in a few days].

I’ll start right at the beginning ... a portrayal of who my dad is, if you like. My earliest memory of my dad is of him hardly being around. He was always away working, so growing up it was pretty much me, bro and mum. I think as a result of that I am not really close to my dad. Don’t get me wrong, we have a great relationship that other fathers and daughters might be envious of but I wouldn’t say we’re extremely close.

The relationship between my dad and bro has always been frosty to say the least but has recently begun to improve. We all have noticed a huge difference – for the better. I personally believe the reason behind that could be that now my bro is married and expecting a child of his own, his outlook on life has been tremendously evolved as he has matured and got more responsibilities.

Growing up and whenever my dad was at home, he was THE person I would go bug if there was something I REALLY wanted [and I mean anything!]. Even though we were spoiled when we were kids, my mum would occasionally say ‘no’ where as my dad wouldn’t. Whatever I wanted, I usually got [that also could be due to the fact that I would be a right little madam for days if I didn’t get whatever I wanted – I’m not a brat anymore .... honestly!]. If I wanted a particular toy, gadget or the latest electronic item ... I would go to dad ...... whereas my mum and I LOVED going jewellery shopping every weekend. [However as quickly as I got the jewellery, I would usually go and loose it somewhere! But I had cool parents who never seemed to mind!!].

Life was good until 1997 when our lives were literally changed overnight. We were never to be the same again. A short while after, my bro moved out and went to Portugal to live with our uncle. I also rebelled and moved out, where as my dad went to Pakistan. It took over a year when we all reunited and all were under one roof again.

My dad was always way too over protective when I was younger. I remember practically each time I wanted to go out with my friends, my dad would quiz me a million times before I was allowed out. Granted he never said no, so it was totally worth it. It wasn’t until I turned 17 and moved back home when he finally stopped asking altogether.

Anyways, life was getting back on track until that is when my dad re-married and I hated him for it. It took me a long time to forgive him. I remember clearly when he told us and remember our reactions. That was years ago now and I’m over it ...... kinda.

I respect and love my dad. He has never pushed or forced me into anything I didn’t want to do and is ALWAYS defending me. An example of this was during my bro’s wedding when I had a huge bust up with certain family members. I’ve never seen my dad so furious before when he found out that I had been practically insulted in front of guests. Even now he is reluctant to attend family gatherings without my so say. He constantly asking my opinion ... “Do you think we should go?” ..... “I’ll go if you say so” .... Do you know any other father who does that? My reply is usually “Dad, do what you want. I’ll be ok”.

Anyways let’s get back to what happened Friday night. Last week my dad heard sounds of music that he didn't usually hear coming from my bedroom. I was listening to Nazia Hassan. Both my dad and his wife were pleasantly surprised to learn that not only did I love listening to Nazia Hassan and was a massive fan of hers but were also surprised that I actually knew Urdu, albeit songs but still Urdu!! [Urdu being the MAIN language at home which I can understand but can’t speak]. Usually the only music sounds coming from my room are that of thumping rock tunes!

My dad refuse to believe me, so it wasn’t until I showed him my laptop and he saw my impressive collection of Pakistani classic tracks that I had downloaded over a short period of time, ranging from Nazia Hassan, Noor Jehan and Musarat Nazir.

This prompted my dad to reminisce and tell me [and his wife] about the day I was born and how my parents really struggled to find a suitable name for me ......... that was until they heard a new song blasting from the car radio .... on the journey home from the hospital .... the song which went on to become one of the most famous & and well reconised by practically everyone .... the song was ..... “Aap Jaisa Koi mera zindagi may aaya” sung by a very young Pakistani / British singer .... The one and only Nazia Hassan.

It was really nice to hear my dad talk about my birth and the reason behind my name, especially since it was my BIRTHday the coming Sunday ........ I sort of knew that I was ‘named after her’ on the day she sadly passed away, when my nanni told me but it was eventually confirmed by my dad [wish my mum told me, someday]. Stupid to think that once upon a time I in fact hated my name and really wanted to change it! Now I am totally honoured to be named after such a person ....... Who knew that I would one day begin to respect and be a fan of the person my parents decided to name me after?

So, that’s it .... That’s my dad, my life and the story behind my name. Interesting?? ... Well, it is to me anyways!!

In my next post, I will [inshallah] dedicate it to Nazia Hassan herself ....... showing a few of my favourite songs / videos ..... As the anniversary of her death etches closer..... August 13th .... RIP.

But until then folks, I will leave you with one of my favourite Nazia Hassan tracks. This track is taken from a live show that she used to present in Pakistan [not sure when exactly this was shown]. You will hear her speak and then sing a fab song.

I will add more in my next post, inshallah.

Enjoy guys!



(Post edited by moi)