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 fragranc...

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 generati...

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 jou...

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. Follow Karak With Mahreen for more real stories and conversations that matter. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karakwithmahre...

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...

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...

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 for...

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 ex...

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 crea...

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, w...

In this episode, we dive deep into the meeting point of Eastern, Western, and Islamic philosophies, exploring how each shapes our understanding of identity, happiness, and the human condition. From the roots of individualism to the influence of modernity, we unpack how doctrines, traditions, and worldviews shape the way we live, think, and connect. This thought-provoking conversation bridges cultu...

In this episode, we dive into the mind of an entrepreneur, exploring what drives ambition, resilience, and vision in the face of risk and uncertainty. From his first venture and early failures to finding mentors, raising capital, and building strong teams, Nathan shares the raw realities behind the startup grind. This conversation unpacks the lessons, sacrifices, and habits that shape successful f...

In this episode, we step onto the pitch of cricket culture, exploring its power to unite, divide, and inspire across South Asia and the Gulf. From the craze of fans who idolize their favorite players, to the business, superstition, and rituals behind the game, this conversation dives into cricket as more than just a sport—it’s identity, rivalry, and passion. Follow Karak With Mahreen for more mean...

In this episode, we journey through the heart of Gulf culture with stories spanning the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman. From the warmth of Arab hospitality to the history of Omani trade, the politics of Majlis gatherings to how Gulf youth preserve identity in a globalized world, this conversation uncovers the traditions, stereotypes, and shared values that define life in the region. Follow Karak With Mahre...

In this episode, we sit down with celebrity chef and MasterChef India judge Kunal Kapur for a delicious deep dive into the heart of Indian cuisine. From the science of food oils to why we don’t like eating alone, this conversation uncovers the beauty, complexity, and cultural weight of what’s on our plates.

This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together two voices who don’t often share the same mic — a South Asian expat raised in Dubai and a young Emirati local. From growing up in a city full of emigrants to navigating cultural assumptions, language gaps, and chai wars, this conversation explores what it means to belong in a place built by people from ever...

This episode is brought to you by Brooke Bond Red label! In this episode, we bring together creators from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to unpack what it means to be South Asian, together and apart. From biryani debates to marriage pressure, language barriers to chai traditions, we explore the shared roots and striking differences that shape each country’s identity. Topics include colorism...

In this episode, we explore fatherhood, identity, and what it means to stay in a broken system. Topics include raising kids abroad, desi marriages falling apart, men’s mental health, public pressure, cancel culture, and doing business in Pakistan — all through the lens of Junaid Akram’s unapologetically honest perspective.

In this episode, we explore parallel universes, reincarnation, and the nature of our thoughts. Topics include self-awareness, the struggle to sit with your mind, finding purpose, craving attention, and Gen Z’s growing interest in spirituality.

In this episode, we explore the realities of modern relationships, what causes breakups, gender roles, and mental health. We discuss divorce rates, societal expectations in brown families, long-distance love, and the ideal age for marriage across cultures.

In this episode, we discuss how it is like living in Canada with Mo Amir, host of Vancolour in British Columbia, Canada. He discusses about everyday life, his experience as a Pakistani immigrant in Canada, racism, and cultural practices.

In this episode, we discuss how life is like in china with Hannah, a multimillionaire businesswoman in China. She discusses how relationships, everyday life, technology, and cultural practices are like in the country compared to the West. Follow Karak With Mahreen for more meaningful conversations on life, identity, and culture with fascinating individuals.

This International Worker’s Day, we got the opportunity to talk to Talha, an incredible Careem Captain who is balancing his intense work with social media. He dreams to be a business man and buy a BMW for his best friend. We talked about his life, experiences, earnings, and challenges as a Careem driver. Shout-out to the real ones, the workers who wake up early, hustle hard, and keep everything ru...

In this episode, Parul Gulati, actress and founder of Nish Hair, shares her journey from the entertainment industry to building her own business. She talks about growing up in a culture with strong family values, the challenges of independence for women, and how her background shaped her career choices. Parul also opens up about the realities of the entertainment world, discussing whether TV actor...

In this episode, Dr. Nabila Ismail, a licensed pharmacist turned travel content creator, shares her incredible journey of quitting her stable healthcare job to explore the world. She opens up about navigating stereotypes, traveling solo as a Pakistani-American woman, and her transformative trip to Pakistan after a 10-year gap. From the unique Kalash Valley to exploring places even her family in Pa...