Karak with Mahreen

Mahreen sits down with Cassim and Ahsan Pardesi, the visionary founders behind a huge family-owned perfume brand based in Dubai, for a deep session on the booming fragrance industry. They talk about the global rise of Dubai perfumes, overtaking international competitors, the secrets behind building a legacy brand, the art of scent creation, family business dynamics, and how Middle Eastern fragrances are taking over the world.

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Mahreen sits down with Siraj, who is the Head of Real Estate Strategy at one of the UAE's top firms where he guides governments, developers, and leader is property decisions, for a deep session on all things UAE. We talk about regional tensions, the stay-or-leave expat debate, resilience, free zones, food security, the Indian diaspora's footprint, and bold predictions for the next generation.

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A deep, heartfelt conversation with Shae Gill on global fame, identity, faith, and navigating Pakistan’s music industry as a young woman. From the viral explosion of Pasoori and the magic of Coke Studio to growing up Christian in Pakistan, financial independence before marriage, and breaking gender barriers in the industry, this episode explores both the personal and professional layers of her journey. Shae also opens up about her Punjabi roots, her new song Insecurity, upcoming music projects, industry realities, and what the future holds for Pakistani music. Plus, reflections on culture, representation, and the responsibility artists carry today.

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Our incredible guest:

Shae Gill

A real and honest conversation with Alina and Umer about periods, first periods, and the taboos girls grow up with. From everyday girl problems to confidence, self-care, and feeling supported, this episode creates a safe space for conversations we don’t have enough of.

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This episode is brought to you by Always

Our incredible guests:

Alina Hayat

Umer Noman Khan

A deep, honest conversation with Ali Zafar on music, philosophy, fatherhood, and Pakistan’s cultural identity. From his album Roshni and Lahore’s influence on his craft to freedom of expression, industry realities, and how the world perceives Pakistan, this episode blends personal insight with powerful industry truths. Ali also opens up about raising his children, giving back through the Ali Zafar Foundation, and the responsibility artists carry today. Plus, fun game segments to end on a lighter note.Follow Karak With Mahreen for more real stories and voices from across the world.

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A deep, honest conversation on music, culture, “Khat,” Lahore’s influence, and the realities of the Pakistani industry. We talk Urdu vs Punjabi, why “Lahore Lahore Aye” hits, and the fears artists have investing in themselves. He opens up about fatherhood, social-issue dramas, and the lines that shaped him. Plus a fun guessing game and industry truths only insiders know.Follow Karak With Mahreen for more real stories and voices from across the world.InstagramTikTokYouTubeOur incredible guest:Farhan Saeed

In this Chaiwallahs Roundtable, Karak With Mahreen brings together the faces behind Dubai’s most loved café culture — the chaiwallahs whose stories often go untold. From leaving home for the UAE to serving thousands of cups with heart, they share the highs, the struggles, the smiles, and the dreams that keep them going.

We dive into their first impressions of Dubai, the customers they’ll never forget, the foods and traditions they miss from home, and the way chai connects people across India, Pakistan, the UAE, and beyond. Through conversations on faith, work, culture, and the universal love of chai, this episode reveals the humanity behind the apron — the people who pour warmth into every cup.

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This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red Label

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookebondredlabelarabiatea

In this episode of Karak With Mahreen, we dive into the unspoken realities of womanhood in Pakistan — from the invisible rules that shape daily life to the emotional burdens women silently carry. Our guest unpacks why self-sacrifice is often mistaken for strength, how over-giving begins in childhood, and what it truly means for women to reclaim confidence, self-belief, and balance.Together, we explore cultural expectations, fear of judgment, relationships, and the deeper question of independence versus tradition. Honest, raw, and deeply relatable — this conversation challenges the myths surrounding strength, discipline, and what it means to be a “good woman.”Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on identity, culture, and modern womanhood.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karakwithmahreenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarakWithMahreenOur Incredible Guest:Sadira KhanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iqbalsidra

In this episode, Mahreen sits down with the powerhouse voice of Natasha Baig, one of Pakistan’s most soulful artists redefining the sound of modern Sufi music. From her early days breaking into Sufi rock to finding divine connection through song, Natasha shares how her music became a medium for faith, love, and self-discovery.We explore the deeper meaning of Sufism, the role of poetry in her creative process, and how spirituality continues to shape her journey as an artist. From Coke Studio to meditative moments at shrines, Natasha opens up about the lessons, doubts, and revelations that come with walking the path of love.Follow Karak With Mahreen for more profound conversations on life, spirituality, and the art of being human.

InstagramTikTokYouTubeOur incredible Guest:Natasha Baig

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In this episode, we journey through the intersections of culture, faith, and human experience—seen through the eyes of a traveler who has lived between worlds. From discovering kindness in unexpected places to reflecting on religion beyond dogma, we explore how love, tolerance, and humility shape our understanding of humanity.

Through stories from Pakistan, the US, India, and tribal communities, we unpack how media, politics, and perception influence division—and what it truly takes to rebuild unity. This heartfelt conversation asks a fundamental question: Can understanding each other be the greatest form of faith?Follow Karak With Mahreen for more profound conversations on life, culture, and what it means to be human.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karakwithmahreenTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@karakwithmahreenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KarakWithMahreenOur incredible Guest:Yousuf Bashir QureshiInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/yousufbashirqureshi/