Hina P. Ansari - Writer/Editor/Explorer
Sometimes I wonder how I got here.
Hina P. Ansari
Official Bio
hina@hinapansari.com
Hina P. Ansari is a long-standing and accomplished Canadian journalist. She became the first South Asian Muslim woman to break into the mainstream Canadian magazine publishing scene at FLARE, Canada’s national fashion magazine. Among the many highlights at FLARE included producing Celebrating Canadian Beauty, Photographs by Bryan Adams, a critically-acclaimed photography book released in October 2004 as part of Flare’s 25th anniversary celebrations as well as producing various covers and entertainment and fashion shoots with various pop cultural and fashion icons including Linda Evangelista, Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani and Pamela Anderson.
Her interest in entertainment is part of her DNA as she is the granddaughter of one of India’s revered directors of film noir in the early days of Bollywood. She documented her experience growing up with such a mentor in her September 2003 FLARE feature, "My Own Private Bollywood."
After FLARE, she then moved to Torstar and helped launch Weekly Scoop Magazine, Canada’s first weekly celebrity magazine, as the Director of Photography.
Currently Hina is a successful freelance writer, editor and journalist with a robust portfolio which has transitioned from print to digital. Her work has been published in Elevate Magazine, The Toronto Star, and Zoomer, TheKit.ca, Flare.com, GlobeandMail.com, and the South Asian online platform ANOKHI Media, where she’s also the Editor-in-Chief of ANOKHI Magazine Weekly Features Edition and Blogs. As the Editor-In-Chief, Hina was instrumental in handling the magazine’s digital transition overseeing SEO strategies, data analysis, forecasting reader trends and social media essentials.
Hina was also brought on board as the South Asian Editor, and helped launch, The Kit: South Asian Edition, the South Asian spinoff of Torstar’s TheKit.ca. Hina was also recently asked to produce fashion accessory pages for Burda Style, a well-established European fashion magazine. Her love for fashion and travel led to her passion project, Ramp1885.com, where she, along with a global team of bloggers and fashion editors, cover the international fashion scene. She shot first documentary, The Style Atlas-Jakarta where she along with her Canadian crew explored how the economy, society, religion, politics and culture foster the local fashion scene in Jakarta, Indonesia. The film had its world premiere in Tokyo, Japan and was awarded The Platinum Reel Award for Best Documentary Short at the Nevada International Film Festival.
Hina has spoken about fashion, pop culture and South Asian affairs on national media outlets including the CBC News Network, CBC Radio. She has also blogged about foreign policy and social issues for The Huffington Post Canada. A personal highlight of her career was when she was invited to Washington D.C. in March 2014 to take part in the first ever Emerging Leaders Conference at The White House as part of Women’s History Month.
Podcasting is also part of her portfolio with “ANOKHI Uncensored” (Dash Radio) where she debates various social issues from a Gen-X perspective along with her Millennial co-host.
In keeping with her passion for human rights and journalism, she is currently on the Executive Gala committee for Journalists for Human Rights working on logistics for their annual Night for Rights Gala.
- My Socials
Find me on Insta and Twitter: @hinapansari
Ramp 1885
Exploring the untapped fashion reservoirs of the world.
I wanted to create a platform where I can spotlight the fashion contributions from cities that we don't really think of.
Ramp1885.com
Ramp1885.com is a passion project where I alongside 70+ contributors covered the local fashion scene, cool neighbourhood stores, designers and trends from the nooks and crannies of the world. We stay away from the typical fashion capitals and hone in on other cities and countries to complete the global style conversation. From Panama City to Cairo to Accra and more, check out our favourite stories, designer interviews, street style, runway and more right here.
My first Award-winning Documentary Film!
A passion project like no other.
The Style Atlas-Jakarta (teaser)
A cinematic passion project. Now I'm looking to expand it into my first book.
The Style Atlas-Jakarta explores how culture, economics, religion and the country's geo-political positioning foster their local fashion scene. We jet off to Jakarta Indonesia and with Jakarta Fashion Week as our backdrop, we interview society stalwarts, designer icons, historians, fashion students and religious scholars to discuss just how the world's largest Muslim nation support their robust modest and modern wear fashion industries.
The film had its world premiere in Tokyo, Japan and was awarded The Platinum Reel Award for Best Documentary Short at the Nevada International Film Festival.
The Style Atlas-Jakarta (full film here)
Grab some coffee and travel with us for 40 minutes.
ANOKHI UNCENSORED Radio Show
I co-host a monthly radio show where we talk about pop culture and current affairs and hot button topics which play a role in our lives. It airs on the #1 South Asian radio station, Rukus Avenue Radio which can be found on the Dash Radio network.
ANOKHI UNCENSORED
Rukus Avenue Radio/Dash Radio Network
#ANOKHIUNCENSORED is a monthly talk radio show by ANOKHI LIFE. Its hosts are two dynamic personalities who have come together for the very first time, to deep dive forbidden and controversial topics about the South Asian, global community.
How Anti-Blackness is Engrained in South Asian Culture
During the summer of Black Lives Matter, we take a closer look at how anti-Blackness is engrained in South Asian culture.
Custom-made Children: Are Designer Babies the Future of Fertility?
The Huffington Post Canada
We talk about the futuristic advancements in fertility and how South Asian beauty ideals are being used when it comes to the type of child being desired.
Suicide: A Global Health Crisis That Needs Our Attention – With Dr. Gursharan Virdee
When it comes to mental health awareness, recognizing and understanding suicidal tendencies is imperative. Dr. Virdee sheds much-needed light on how as a society, we can address certain issues, break the taboos within our family and our South Asian community and move forward with an understanding and acceptance that’s needed.
Entertainment
Real Talk
Cover story featuring Tracy Moore of Cityline
Elevate Magazine
In addition to being the Editor-In-Chief of this entire issue, I also has the opportunity to have a candid chat with the host of Cityline, Tracy Moore for our issue's cover story.
One-On-One with Priyanka Chopra
ANOKHI Media
While on her press tour for her upcoming summer beach film, Baywatch, Priyanka Chopra took a few minutes out of her schedule to chat with me about her latest film, the Hollywood scene and her heart-felt charity work.
My Own Private Bollywood
FLARE Magazine
A personal first-person profile on my grandfather N.A. Ansari who was one of the premiere film noire directors during India's golden age of Bollywood.
Mindy Kaling’s ‘Never Have I Ever’ Is The Show We Have Been Waiting For
ANOKHI Life
“Representation” has become the buzzword to show inclusivity. However when it comes to having a worthy seat at the table it’s Mindy Kaling’s latest project Never Have I Ever that truly shows us who we are. And it’s through our chat with (brand new) Canadian star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan where she shares with us her you-can’t-make-this-stuff-up audition story, the value of taking a chance and the importance of being part of the solution.
Fashion & Beauty
Celeb Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Shares Her Must-Have List For Your Diwali Beauty Prep
ANOKHI Life
Iconic celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff who has worked with Kate Bosworth, Margot Robbie and Priyanka Chopra Jonas dishes on key beauty tips and tricks with her exclusive collab with Winners. Check out what you need in your fall beauty bag just in time for Diwali!
Are You Treating Your Hyperpigmentation the Right Way?
AlumierMD
Hyperpigmentation can be a pesky thing. With our skin constantly evolving, the melanin does as well and thanks to various factors, it can uneven the skin tone to varying degrees.
Looking Chic: H&M Features Hijabista Mariah Idrissi In It's Latest Recycling Ad
Ramp1885. com
A passion project, my blog Ramp1885.com covers fashion from all four corners of the world. This feature article profiles Mariah Idrissi as the hijab awareness starts to percolate in the mainstream arena.
Examining the Ingredients: So, What Exactly Are You Putting on Your Skin?
AlumierMD
When it comes to skincare, sometimes we get so swept up by the manufacturer’s bold proclamations that we don’t give a second thought to the actual ingredients that are in the products. This is odd, if you think about it, considering how much thought and preparation goes into what we put in our bodies.
Highlights From Kazakhstan Fashion Week
Ramp1885. com
A passion project, my blog Ramp1885.com covers fashion from all four corners of the world. This is a trend report from one of the coolest fashion weeks on the globe, Kazakhstan Fashion Week.
Travel
Travel Rx
Elevate Magazine
As an avid traveller, I wrote how exploring the world beyond your doorstep can be excellent for your mental well being.
Tokyo Rose
ANOKHI Magazine
A family Christmas trip to Tokyo inspired this story.
Morocco: A Magical Mystery Tour
ANOKHI Magazine
Morocco has always been a far-off dream, but this December, our Editor-In-Chief got wonderfully lost in its magical and mysterious world.
When A Monk Invited Me For Tea In Vietnam
ANOKHI Magazine
One of the most precious things I love about travelling is being able to be in the moment and relish all the experiences that come with it. So when I was asked to have tea with the head monk of a Buddhist temple in Vietnam, I knew that this was no ordinary encounter.Auto
Yes, You Can Rent A Porsche! And Other Innovative Strategies As Revealed By CEO Of Porsche Canada
ANOKHI Life
Marc Ouayoun was eager to explore a brand new market in a brand new country. So when he was approached to be the CEO of Porsche Canada after 7 years heading up Porsche France, he was ready for the shift. During my interview Ouyaoun expressed his fascination of this country’s multiculturalism, being at the forefront of the e-hybrid revolution and disrupting the traditional retail model.
Our Exclusive Look: Porsche Ignites The Auto World With Their Fully Electric Taycan
ANOKHI Life
The long awaited world premiere of the Porsche Taycan — the German company’s fully electric automobile took place in Niagara Falls on a warm fall day. Pre-orders are already in motion as it prepares to hit the market in Spring 2020. And coming from a family of Porsche lovers, it was great to witness the historic automotive’s embrace of the electric future.
Health & Wellness
Men's Season of Change
Elevate Magazine
Taking a closer look at Andropause, the not-often-discussed hormonal/testasterone change that occur in men.
Travel Rx
Elevate Magazine
As an avid traveller, I wrote how exploring the world beyond your doorstep can be excellent for your mental well being.
An Unexpected Journey
Elevate Magazine
How my first-ever wellness retreat at Grail Springs Wellness Resort in Bancroft Ontario opened my eyes.
Interviews
Some cool people I've had the honour of chatting with.
Real Talk
Cover story featuring Tracy Moore of Cityline
Elevate Magazine
In addition to being the Editor-In-Chief of this entire issue, I also has the opportunity to have a candid chat with the host of Cityline, Tracy Moore for our issue's cover story.
One-On-One with Priyanka Chopra
ANOKHI Media
While on her press tour for her upcoming summer beach film, Baywatch, Priyanka Chopra took a few minutes out of her schedule to chat with me about her latest film, the Hollywood scene and her heart-felt charity work.
Fighting For The Invisible: My Chat With Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner Of The Ontario Human Rights Commission
ANOKHI Life
I had an unique opportunity to sit down with Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission where we explored various forms of advocacy, including her work regarding correctional facilities and their treatment of women with mental health issues, fighting for the invisible and the power of the people.
Celeb Makeup Artist Pati Dubroff Shares Her Must-Have List For Your Diwali Beauty Prep
ANOKHI Life
IIconic celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff who has worked with Kate Bosworth, Margot Robbie and Priyanka Chopra dishes on key beauty tips and tricks with her exclusive collab with Winners. Check out what you need in your fall beauty bag just in time for Diwali!
From The Malala Fund To NOW Ventures, Shiza Shahid Wants Companies To Do Good In The World
ANOKHI Life
Tech entrepreneur, innovator, former co-founder and CEO of The Malala Fund and current founder of NOW Ventures, Shiza Shahid shares her thoughts on the philosophy of a mission-driven business. Shiza Shahid wants companies to do good in the world by implementing corporate social responsibility in their business plans and why it’s a good thing for employers, employees and their related communities.
Politics
The Colour Of Change: How Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris Became The Most Powerful South Asian Woman In The World
ANOKHI Life
We take a closer look at the meteoric rise of Vice President-Elect Kamala Devi Harris, how the glass ceiling has shattered and why it took this long.
In Search Of Justice For George Floyd — A Snapshot Of A Burning America
ANOKHI Life
America hasn’t seen this much unrest since the 1968 Civil Rights Movement. Sparked by the murder of George Floyd (who gasped “I can’t breathe”) by the Minneapolis Police exactly a week ago, Americans in all 50 states took to the streets to demand justice and remind everyone that #BlackLivesMatter. A reminder in a country where breathing seems to only be afforded to some and not all.
The Huffington Post Canada
A collection of blogs I've penned for The Huffington Post Canada. Feel free to scroll down to see a select few. They mostly cover politics.
The Huffington Post Blogger
The Huffington Post Canada
While The Huffington Post Canada was establishing their Canadian presence in 2011, I was approached to join their roster of bloggers. This gave me a unique opportunity to be able to flex my writing skills in the political, and social commentary realms and since then I have tackled issues such as Islamophobia, the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Presidential Elections, Mid-East policy analysis as well as social commentaries.
The Fundamentalists No One Talks About
The Huffington Post Canada
Taking a closer look at the interesting practices of the ultra-orthodox Haredim community of Israel.
How Obamacare Is Courting Muslims
The Huffington Post Canada
I was approached by The White House to blog about their unique ACA's outreach to Muslim Americans.
Having Coffee with Kofi Annan
The Huffington Post Canada
I was fortunate enough to be invited to an exclusive round table discussion with former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Doug Saunders On His New Book, George Bush and Multiculturalism
The Huffington Post Canada
A sit-down interview with author Doug Saunders on his latest book, The Myth of the Muslim Tide: Do Immigrants Threaten The West?
Branded Content
Cool branding projects.
The Kit South Asian Edition
A cool South Asian spinoff of The Kit published by The Toronto Star
Along with The Toronto Star Canada's largest city newspaper, I was involved with the launch and the year-long monthly special insert as the South Asian Editor of The Kit: South Asian Edition.
*New Work Alert* Sponsored Post for Elevate Magazine
A sponsored post for Galderma for Elevate Magazine
Taking a look how at two friends relished in the buddy system with their facial treatment experience. Elevate Magazine Fall 2017 Issue.
Celebrating Canadian Beauty Photographs by Bryan Adams
Special project to celebrate FLARE Magazine's 25th Anniversary
Worked with (singer/songwriter/photographer) Bryan Adams in a year-long project which included complete photo shoot production, talent liaison as well as travel and shoot logistics.
FLARE Was There-TIFF Special Edition with The Toronto Star
In collaboration with The Toronto Star Canada's largest city newspaper, I was involved with creating this special insert celebrating The Toronto International Film Festival.
The Kit South Asian Edition
A cool South Asian spinoff of The Kit published by The Toronto Star
Along with The Toronto Star Canada's largest city newspaper, I was involved with the launch and the year-long monthly special insert as the South Asian Editor of The Kit: South Asian Edition.
The Kit South Asian Edition
A cool South Asian spinoff of The Kit published by The Toronto Star
Along with The Toronto Star Canada's largest city newspaper, I was involved with the launch and the year-long monthly special insert as the South Asian Editor of The Kit: South Asian Edition.
Editorial Covers
A collection of cool magazine covers I've had the pleasure of working on.
ANOKHI Magazine Weekly Features Edition: Digital
North America's longest running South Asian platform reaching a Global readership from United States, Canada, U.K., and India.
Celebrating New Year's Day with this stunning runway look by Pakistani couturier Fahad Hussayn. [Fashion]
ANOKHI Magazine Weekly Features Edition: Digital
North America's longest running South Asian platform reaching a Global readership from United States, Canada, U.K., and India.
Exploring the branding of burlesque with an exclusive interview with Dita Von Teese. [Business/PopCulture]
ANOKHI Magazine: Monthly Digital Platform
North America's longest running South Asian platform reaching a Global readership from United States, Canada, U.K., and India.
We are all in an award show state of mind with our cover story featuring Naeem Khan. [Fashion]
ANOKHI Magazine Weekly Features Edition: Digital
North America's longest running South Asian platform reaching a Global readership from United States, Canada, U.K., and India.
In recognition of Pride Month I took an historic journey and explored the history of the hijras in South Asia. [History/Pop Culture/Human Rights/LGBTQ]
MUSLIM GIRL MAGAZINE
Canada's premiere magazine aimed at the Muslim Millennial.
Contributed as contributing Special Edition Editor for Muslim Girl magazine including overseeing complete editorial production of fashion shoots, market pages and trend reports. [Fashion/Style/Photo Shoot Production/Creative Direction]
Photo Shoot Production & Creative Direction
A sample of fun photo shoots I've had the pleasure of producing.
Priyanka Chopra cover shoot for ANOKHI Magazine
Priyanka Chopra cover shoot for ANOKHI Magazine
Priyanka Chopra cover shoot for ANOKHI Magazine
"The Wedding Issue" for ANOKHI Magazine
"The Wedding Issue" for ANOKHI Magazine
"Call Of The Wild" Fashion spread shot on-location in Yukon, Canada for FLARE Magazine
"Call Of The Wild" Fashion spread shot on-location in Yukon, Canada for FLARE Magazine
"Call Of The Wild" Fashion spread shot on-location in Yukon, Canada for FLARE Magazine
Sears Canada Christmas Campaign
Abaya Fashion Trend Report for Muslim Girl Magazine
"Culture Clash" Spring Trend Report for Muslim Girl Magazine
"Grand Hotel" shot on-location at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
"Grand Hotel" shot on-location at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
"Dollhouse" for ANOKHI Magazine
"Dollhouse" for ANOKHI Magazine
"The Originals" capturing key celebs at The Toronto International Film Festival for FLARE Magazine
"The Originals" capturing key celebs at The Toronto International Film Festival for FLARE Magazine
Cover shoot featuring Nazneen Contractor for ANOKHI Magazine
"Spring Training" shot on-location with The Blue Jays in Duniden, Florida for FLARE Magazine
"Spring Training" shot on-location with The Blue Jays in Duniden, Florida for FLARE Magazine
"Spring Training" shot on-location with The Blue Jays in Duniden, Florida for FLARE Magazine
"Dress Revival" shot on-location in Havana, Cuba for FLARE Magazine
"Dress Revival" shot on-location in Havana, Cuba for FLARE Magazine
"Dress Revival" shot on-location in Havana, Cuba for FLARE Magazine
My travels.
Just some of my snaps while I explore the world.
Mausoleum in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Fantastic collection of steel traditional lamps in Marrakech, Morocco
Haider Ackermann's 10-year retrospective at Colombia Fashion Week in Medellin, Colombia
Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
At Angkor Tom, Cambodia
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
HoiAn, Vietnam
Sahara Desert, Morocco
Sahara Desert, Morocco
The Gateway Of India, Mumbai,India
The Roman Coliseum, Rome, Italy
Casablanca, Morocco
At Haider Ackermann's 10-year retrospective fashion show as part of Colombia Fashion Week at Medellin Colombia
The results of the 2008 American Presidential Election at Rockefeller Center New York City
- Contact MeDon't be afraid to reach out! You can also email me at hina@hinapansari.com.
© 2017