Creatively inclined sisters, Nadia Farooqui, creative and managing director at her eponymous fashion label and visual artist Rabia Farooqui, give us a glimpse into their childhood. From photographing domestic help to working together, these two sure have stuck by each other through thick and thin
What’s your first memory of each other?
Nadia: Rabia and I are 10 years apart. My first memory involves me baby-sitting her, taking her for a stroll in the garden and entertaining her on the swings in the evening.
Rabia: I used to be in awe of her and would watch her apply lipstick. I remember asking her to let me use some but all I got was a big, fat “No!”
What is the craziest thing you have done together?
Nadia: Rabia’s muse for her miniature paintings is our gardener of 18 years, a chubby, dark and eccentric fellow. We photographed him topless with his protruding belly using different props. It made him uncomfortable to another level and makes us laugh even now, when we think about it!
Rabia: We took a trip to Turkey together and that was by far the most fun we’ve ever had. From a hot-air balloon ride to hiking, scuba diving in Bodrum to roaming the streets at night, it was an unforgettable trip.
What did you get punished for the most as a child?
Nadia: Staying out of the house beyond curfew. Our parents were big on discipline and expected us to be home by sunset. The rebel and non-conformist that I was growing up, I was in constant punishment mode.
Rabia: For not being able to control my temper and not finishing my food!
If you could only wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, from the other’s closet, what would it be?
Nadia: I have unhindered access to her closet and vice versa. Unfortunately, our sizes don’t match anymore.
Rabia: A beautiful brown cropped sweater, which was a gift from someone close to her. That’s why it’s the one piece of clothing that I have stayed away from despite the temptation.
If you could swap places with each other, what’s the first thing you would you do?
Nadia: She has two green parrots that do nothing but scream and call out “Mithu” all day, hence the first thing I’d do is set them free, as evil as it may sound.
Rabia: Take advantage of the undying love that my father and grandmother have for her. That basically means being spoilt rotten for as long as we are swapped.
What is the one thing you love about your sister?
Nadia: Her amazing ability to pick me up from my lowest low and make me believe that everything is ok.
Rabia: Her ability to wake up at 9am everyday. I admire her commitment to her career as well as her healthy lifestyle.
If you are fighting with each other, how do you make up?
Nadia: The silent treatment works like magic!
Rabia: I have a bit of an ego, but when I’m at fault I usually apologize indirectly — either I’ll pretend like nothing happened or I’ll have a sob-story ready so she has no choice but to talk to me!
What is the one secret talent your sister has, that you wish you did too?
Nadia: She’s got a knack for picking up on anything and everything that involves creativity; from photography to managing events to packaging — she’s got it all figured out.
Rabia: Her true talent lies in the way she keeps moving forward despite any hurdles that come her way. A talent I wish I had!
Describe your sister in three words:
Nadia: Beautiful, selfless and short-tempered.
Rabia: Ambitious, adaptable and strong.
Which fictional character is your sister most like?
Nadia: Jerry from Tom and Jerry.
Rabia: Blossom from The Powerpuff Girls — she always manages to save the day!
How are your personalities similar?
Nadia: We’re both very passionate and headstrong. However, generally our personalities are not completely in sync with one another.
Rabia: We’re go-getters! We don’t like to depend on anyone for anything and we’re used to getting back up if we fall — something I have learnt from her.
I can’t live without my sister because…
Nadia: She is an integral part of my life — in my workplace, my home, my personal sphere and even socially, I can’t imagine life without her!
Rabia: She doesn’t only play the role of a sister, but also happens to play the role of a mother, a best friend and a mentor!
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