Interview with Ink Magazine Founder Fariha Rashed

Meet Fariha Rashed. She is the founder of Ink Magazine, a Pakistan based entertainment journal featuring exclusive interviews from the world of film and fashion.

Ink MagazineWith in-depth articles and features including some of the world's most recognizable names, Rashed has built a phenomenal print magazine that's become a sensation in Asia for it's unique appeal, and keeping people up to date with the latest trends.

Find out how Fariha set up her magazine in Pakistan, and what she envisages for the future.

Iain: How did you start Ink Magazine?

Farhia: Well, I was already writing as a freelance journalist for various Pakistani and international publications, and wanted to start something which would cover content not just from South Asia, but from abroad as well. I particularly wanted to cover South Asians living abroad, who are doing great work in the field of entertainment. I also felt that in Pakistan, there are a lot of Fashion oriented magazines, but none that cover other aspects of entertainment in a major way, such as Theater, Dance, Music, Sports etc. We have immense talent in Pakistan which spans across all these fields.

Iain: What does your publication cover?

Fariha: It covers all aspects of entertainment with a specific emphasis on authentic and exclusive interviews with local & international celebrities and stars.

Iain: Is there a big demand for American movies in Pakistan?

Fariha: Yes, there is. All the latest releases are screened at the top cinema houses here.

Iain: Can you tell us about the publishing industry in South Asia and the impact of digital content?

Fariha: The publishing industry in South Asia has a lot of room for improvement in terms of the content being published. However, print publications are extremely popular here and we have seen a sudden rise in the number of publications which have been launched in Pakistan specifically. We have also seen a few very good local authors launching books here in the past three to four years. There are about 10,000 publishers throughout Pakistan and over 50,000 book shops. Digital content has had a huge impact on the industry, especially with the advent of the Facebook and the Blogging phenomena - Pakistan is ranked 26 in the world with 4,332,360 Facebook users. Social Media overshadows traditional marketing in Pakistan, and therefore everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. If you want to be seen & talked about, you have to go digital!

Iain: What would you like to achieve with Ink Magazine?

Fariha: I would like the magazine to be a means to bridge the gap, in whatever small way, in terms of the misconceptions held by the West about South Asia and vice versa. The magazine can help to show both sides how similar they really are - we're all just people at the end of the day. I would also like Ink to be the best source of entertaining news, reviews, features, and exclusive content that Pakistanis can find. I want the magazine to prmote and support the immense talent in the country.

Iain: Is there anyone you look up to in the entertainment industry?

Fariha: I look up to all the Publicists around the world, who are responsible for creating, building, & maintaining the image and aura around their 'brands'. It is hard work!

Iain: Do you have any future projects we should know about?

Fariha: Ink will be expanding and becoming a full fledged brand - we will be launching a hip, young clothing brand very soon this year!

Find out more: Ink Magazine

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