Four young, upcoming women from the entertainment industry and an established beautician were recently chosen as the Pantene brand ambassadors at a glitzy ceremony in Karachi.

Model Hira Tareen, actress Momal Sheikh; painter, sculptor, actress and host Sarwat Gillani; VJ Urwa-tul-Wusqua and stylist Saba Ansari were introduced as the vibrant, dynamic ladies who have made a niche in their respective fields. They have been chosen to create an impact on college and university-going women who can identify with them and be inspired by their success. They will also visit universities in all the major cities in Pakistan, sharing their respective success stories.

The host Muneeza said that the reason for choosing these women was their talent and attitude towards life, so that they could impact students in a positive way to pursue their careers and take care of their looks as well.

Hira Tareen’s good looks are a key to her success as a model and speaking to Images on Sunday she said, “I’m ambitious and doing many things at the same time. I have received an award for being a good VJ. And I act in serials as well. This is a platform from where I can reach out and touch the lives of young people.”

Moomal Sheikh hails from a family of actors (her father is Jawaid Sheikh) and she has had to work extra hard to prove that she can act, too.

“I have just completed a film and am doing plays on TV, so it would be interesting to meet other young people to compare notes.”

Sarwat Gillani has lived abroad and likes to capture the youth on canvas. Being in the limelight she has the responsibility to set a good example in society. “For me, this is an opportunity to connect with young women,” she said.

Urwatul Wusqua is a VJ and an actress who has performed in plays including Nida Butt’s Made for Stage production, Chicago, and she now wants to become a lawyer. “I am looking forward to visiting universities and connecting with like-minded, aspiring young women and share my experience of chasing dreams with a passion,” she said.

Sitting demurely, Meesha Shafi waited patiently as the band conducted the soundcheck, after which the feisty side of the young singer came alive and she began singing remixes of famous numbers of popular artists in her deep, husky voice.

The first one, a folk song originally sung by Reshman, Chori Chori, followed by Lambi Judaai and Charhti Jawani were sung well, bringing out her voice control to the fore and proving why she has become popular in a short span of time. Suited to Reshman’s songs were Meesha Shafi’s rich, powerful vocals.

Switching to another totally different style with the utmost ease, the singer evoked memories of Nazia Hasan with her song Boom Boom, singing with total abandon and perfection. Meesha then brought the house down with Arif Lohar’s popular Jugni.

At the end of the concert, she said that it was a nice gig, short and sweet. “It was a very informal first solo in Karachi. I would love to come again soon,” added the Lahore-based singer.