Interview with Blogger Mehreen Kasana
By The Pakistani Spectator • Oct 30th, 2009 • Category: Interviews • 12 CommentsI am a 20 year old Media student in Lahore. I was born and raised in the USA. I started living in Pakistan a few years ago and it’s been a roller coaster ever since. The majority of the social circle that surrounds me thinks I’m a “crazy jigsaw puzzle”. I blog here Mehreen Kasana.
Could you tell us what made you decide to blog, and what was the inspiration behind it?
I wouldn’t be sure enough to put my finger on one thing and say, “That! Now that inspired me to write!” because it’s not like that. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. I thought, you know, let’s make my ‘work’ public. And here I am.
What do you think sets Your blog apart from other blogs?
My psychedelic random ramblings? Haha, I believe it’s my bitter yet amusing stance on issues. Plus, I tend to come across as a ‘bi-polar’ blogger and, apparently, people enjoy that.
If you had to describe life as a blogger in a Twitter message (140 characters) what would you say?
It’s been interesting, to be honest. Initially I never knew people would take me so seriously. At first, I said something, 3 people would comment. Today, hundreds do. The popularity and notoriety combined gives me a funny high.
If you could choose one characteristic you have that brought you success in life, what would it be?
Hope.
What was the happiest and gloomiest moment of your life?
As rebellious as it sounds, moving out of my parents’ place was quite the happiest moment of my life. And the gloomiest moment of my life was when I found out my favorite professor was murdered.
Urdu Blogs have got huge potential, when do you think they will really take on the online horizon in Pakistan?
A few years. They’ll take a while to get there but they’re on their way.
If you could pick a travel destination, anywhere in the world, with no worries about how it’s paid for - what would your top 3 choices be?
Oslo, Virginia and Tokyo.
What is your favorite book and why?
Wow, that sure is a hard one. There are so many. But I think I’ll say “Child of God” by Cormac McCarthy is my favorite. That’s because it is one of the rawest and grittiest reads ever. The man knows how to play with words and your head.
What is your favorite meal, dress, and sport?
Prawn rice, cheongsams (those funky Chinese shirts) and parkour.
Which are the top 3 places in Pakistan for honeymoon?
Dir, Baltistan and Chitral.
What’s the first thing you notice about a person (whether you know them or not)?
Their nose. I know it sounds weird but it’s true.
Whose Future is more bright in Pakistan; English blogs or Urdu Blogs?
To be very honest: English blogs. It will take a long time for Pakistani youngsters to feel proud of communicating in Urdu. I’m sorry but that’s how it is. Ask any O Level student; They’ll yap in English, incorrect it may be, but they’ll never own up to Urdu.
How Pakistani bloggers can benefit from blogs financially?
Google helps in that matter. Adsense and other ways can get bloggers potential cash.
Do you think Pakistani bloggers tend to remain somewhat self-centered and really don’t go out of their shells? Is it the oriental style of blogging, or they are still unsure about it?
I’ll be honestly obnoxious and say they haven’t really left their shells yet.
What do you think where the Pakistani blogosphere is right now?
On a scale of 1 to 10: 6.
Who are your top five favourite bloggers in Pakistan?
Tough one. Story Teller, Bakemono Imo, Minerva, Shotgun Facelift and Alter ego.
Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
Not really, no.
What is the future of blogging in Pakistan?
A potentially bright one if more quality work is posted.
You have also got a blogging life, how has it directly affected both your personal and professional life?
That made me laugh. It has affected both lives quite a bit. I receive both fan and hate mail. I never thought people would actually pay heed. It’s entertaining, to say the least.
What are your future plans?
To complete my bachelors in Media Studies, get a job and, probably, tie the knot. Oh and have lots of children.
Any Message you want to give to the readers of The Pakistani Spectator?
Thank you for this lovely opportunity of letting me voice my opinion. Cheers!
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She seems to be one curt journal writer. It shows potential.
“Have you ever become stunned by the uniqueness of any blogger in Pakistani blogosphere?
Not really, no.”
LOL! She’s very candid!
i read her blog regularly. she writes well.
i have read her blog and she’s like a crazy jigsaw puzzle indeed; one moment she’s bubbly as and the other, terribly homicidal~ i think people enjoy the variety she has to offer~
i like her blog alot because it is honest in the craziest way
She is potentialy bright one.
She is a good writer
welcome to TPS
i love the way she writes. i’m sure she will be a famous journalist if she works a little harder.
I live in the UK and I read Mehreen Kasana’s blog quite regularly. I believe the young lady has what its take to become a stellar writer one day. I hope to see her on air soon. She speaks well and has her own unforgettable way of writing.
Impressive interview and the remarks made to follow her blog. will be reading her from now on.
mehreen one of inspiring character remain for me whole the time i had the experience to observe her from quite near view ..she always remain in search of something whenever she use to walk through the paths of F.C university and some times it look quite vulnerable viewing her loaded herself with a giant weight of her laptop ,books and last but not the least her digital camera …..
she is gona change the pakistani woman image and it will be splendid to watch the future of her …
cheers. God bless her…