ISLAMABAD: Sabika Qureshi had been teaching at various schools and colleges in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad for around six years before her son was born in 2019, making it difficult for her to manage employment outside the home while also looking after her family.
After more than a year of commuting to work while leaving her infant son with her mother who lived at the other end of town, Qureshi realized that this was not working out. The 34-year-old economics graduate and now a mother of two teamed up with her mother Shabnam Qureshi and grandmother Shireen Gul to launch the Three Cooks food delivery service in 2020, as COVID-19 lockdowns ravaged the restaurant industry globally.
The idea not only worked for Sabika, helping her to start her own business, but also financially empowered her mother and became a means to preserve the legacy of her grandmother’s cooking.
“I came up with this idea with my mom and my Nani [grandmother], that let’s move to a house together, and let’s live together, and maybe we can just do something,” Sabika told Arab News at the cooking facility for Three Cooks.
The food business was not new for the family.
In the early 2000s, Shabnam had launched a home catering venture due to financial troubles but discontinued the service once the family’s finances improved. Now, with the encouragement of her children and husband, she is back in the business.
“The real thing is that other than a need, passion is very important, in this profession, you can only cook [good] food if you have a passion,” Shabnam, 55, said. “If you don’t have an interest [in cooking], then you can’t do anything at all.”
Three Cooks is now mainly run by Shabnam and her husband and son, and employs five full-time staff as well as riders to deliver food. Sabika remains involved in customer care.
“When we started this [Three Cooks], I had interest and still do, but in reaching this far, my children have played an important role,” the mother said. “The confidence, it came from my children.”
Meanwhile, Sabika has branched into opening a bakery in Islamabad called Dough Jo, which she manages with her husband and in-laws, employing 20 people.
Shireen Gul, Qureshi’s grandmother, said seeing her daughter and granddaughter work was her reason for “happiness.”
“This is life. Sitting idly, that doesn’t bring joy. The real joy is when a person works,” the grandmother told Arab News.
“And one more thing. A woman who cooks food from her heart, the flavor in that, that flavor cannot be found in anything else.”
Three generations of women serve up ‘homemade goodness’ with food delivery service in Islamabad
https://arab.news/mp3ac
Three generations of women serve up ‘homemade goodness’ with food delivery service in Islamabad
- Sabika Qureshi worked as a teacher for years but had to give it up after her son was born in 2019
- In 2020, she launched ‘Three Cooks’ with mother and grandmother amid COVID-19 lockdowns
Salman Khan on life beyond Bollywood’s spotlight at the Red Sea International Film Festival
- Has not gone out for a casual dinner in nearly 25 years
- Young filmmakers must have heart, dedication, he says
JEDDAH: Bollywood actor Salman Khan offered a rare glimpse into his personal life during an In Conversation session at the fifth Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday, revealing the disciplined and private routine that has guided his decades-long career.
The actor shared that he has not gone out for a casual dinner in nearly 25 years, living largely between his home, sets, airports, and hotels.
“Either you choose to go out and wander, or you choose this life. I choose this because of the love and respect people give me,” he said, reflecting on the sacrifices that come with fame.
He added that he occasionally experiences phases of complacency but sees them as a part of his journey, and is always looking forward to new challenges.
Khan also spoke about the Arab film industry, noting its potential for growth over the next five years and the talent he has seen across the region. “There is so much capability here.”
“With so many Arab countries, the level of creativity and skill is truly impressive,” he said. “I am here because I want to work with them in the future. I would tell young filmmakers to follow their heart but work with dedication, combining passion with commitment.”
On preparing for roles, Khan explained his unique approach: “When I get a script, I don’t read it myself. I go with the director’s vision and ask them to read it to me.
“As they read, I start to understand the character. By the end of the first reading, I decide whether I can do it or not. After the second reading, I make my final decision. It all depends on the script.”
He also reflected on giving back. “Supporting the community has always been my main intention. I was worried that constantly asking my acquaintances to contribute to my charitable trust might strain friendships.
“So I started my clothing line, where people can buy the clothes only if they feel they are good and the quality is right. I would never ask anyone to buy something cheap.”
Several members of the audience were visibly moved throughout the session, frequently expressing their admiration.
“I love the way people love me and never let it get to me. I am afraid that if people stop loving and recognizing me, I will go mad. Their love is everything. I am here for it, and I will work hard to keep it going.”
