It runs in the family: Shamain Faruque and Nazli Akbar

The exceptionally talented sisters share memories of their near-perfect childhood

The exceptionally talented sisters, Shamain Faruque and Nazli Akbar, share memories of their near-perfect childhood where they never got punished, and never fought with each other. Well, perfect, barring a worrisome thermometer incident!

What’s your first memory of each other?

Shamain: Nazli was just the cutest, most beautiful little girl ever! This wasn’t very funny at the time, but when she was three she picked up a thermometer and chewed it!

Nazli: I remember her as a very sweet girl. Always happy
and smiling!



What is the craziest thing you have done together?

Shamain: If we did anything crazy, I don’t think we
would ever tell.

Nazli: There has been countless memories growing up, I couldn’t just pick one.

What did you get punished for the most as a child?

Shamain: We were never punished!

Nazli: As strange as it sounds, I was never punished as a child!

If you could only wear one piece of clothing for the rest of your life, from the other’s closet, what would it be?

Shamain: I love Nazli’s sense of style and her knack for putting things together. However, comfort is key when you’re in a fast-paced work environment like mine. I prefer the traditional shalwar kameez, and lucky for me Nazli’s closet is my shrine for kurtas.

Nazli: I don’t think I would be able to choose one piece of clothing! As a designer I feel I constantly want to revamp and create but if I would really have to, I would opt for one of her kaftans from my own label. It’s airy, comfortable and makes you look and feel amazing! Perfect for a day in or a night out depending on how you style it.



If you could swap places with each other, what’s the first thing you would you do?

Shamain: We are both experts in our own professional fields, so if we were to swap places I think we both would be calling each other for help. That being said, I would love to be as organized as Nazli is.

Nazli: Our strengths lie in different areas so I can’t see myself swapping places.

What is the one thing you love about your sister?

Shamain: She is hands-down the most supportive person I know, and someone I can rely on whole-heartedly if I require anything to be done. Lets just say she always has my back!

Nazli: As clichéd as it sounds, her passion for doing what she loves every day is a true inspiration for me.

If you are fighting with each other, how do you make up?

Shamain: We’ve never fought, but if we ever disagree some quiet time always helps.

Nazli: I can’t remember ever fighting! Despite the age gap, we have a different bond where we respect each other’s opinions. So even if there is a situation where our opinions differ, we accommodate each other’s views and come to a collective decision we both feel comfortable with.



What is one secret talent your sister has, that you wish you did too?

Shamain: We each thrive on our own talents, but her organizational skills are definitely one to applaud. I would also love to adopt her healthy eating habits.

Nazli: This goes without saying! Her secret beauty regime to make every person look flawless is what I would love to inherit.

Describe your sibling in three words:

Shamain: My support system.

Nazli: My best friend.

How are your personalities similar?

Shamain: Our personalities aren’t similar at all. However, I would say that we both have a very strong sense of family.

Nazli: We’re total opposites!

I can’t live without my sister because…

Shamain: She makes me laugh so much!

Nazli: Who would want to! It’s a bond of a lifetime and definitely irreplaceable.