An architect by education, a model by profession and a fashion lover and introvert by heart, Manal Saleem plays a round of rapid fire with us! Find out all about this beauty who’s taking the fashion world by storm!
How did you get into modelling?
I’ve always been obsessed with dressing up and taking pictures. I started channeling my love for fashion through Instagram and it pretty much became my portfolio in itself! That’s where I was discovered.
If you were not a model, what would you be?
I am an architect by qualification. I was doing art direction prior to modelling. So if I was not a model, I’d obviously be practicing architecture or interior design. But on the side I’d also be a fashion designer and blogger for sure. I just can’t lose touch with fashion; I wish I could do it all at the same time!
If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive who would it be?
Matt LeBlanc in his character from Friends; Joey Tribbiani.
Describe yourself in three words?
Honest, indecisive and moody.
Any hidden talents?
I can make “gol roti”. I consider that a talent since I can’t cook at all!
Biggest pet peeve?
Loud chewing/dirty eating.
What would be your trademark accessory?
An anklet.
What are the three fashion trends you love at the moment?
I don’t exactly follow trends. I just don’t appreciate the obsession with trends especially in our country. Everyone looks the same; it just kills your personal style! But let’s just say this winter I’m looking forward to oversized layering, sleek hairdos and simply a fusion of sass and class intermixed!
Top three favourite models?
Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and Winnie Harlow.
Three things you can never leave your house without?
Phone, wallet and earphones.
If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which one would you choose?
Friends!
First celebrity crush?
To be honest, I’ve never really had celebrity crushes plus I’ve always noticed women more than men, just for the sake of fashion inspiration, mind you! So I believe I could say I’ve only been obsessed with one celebrity in my life, and that’s Deepika Padukone! I adore that woman and her grace!
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crisps; I’m not a foodie. So I can literally survive on snacks! But I’m not a chocolate person; I’m just crazy about crisps in all sorts of flavours!
Would you rather be able to see 10 minutes into your own future or 10 minutes into the future of anyone but yourself?
Definitely into my own future. Let’s not be nosey!
One super power you wish to possess?
Okay I just said let’s not be nosey but come on I’d love to be able to read minds!
Would you rather find your true love or a suitcase with five million dollars inside?
I’ll definitely find my true love and together we could make those five million dollars!
What was the last lie you told?
“I’m on my way home” I say this to my mom all the time and then I get back home hours later!
When was the last time you were really scared and why?
A few months back I slipped and fell head first on the marble floor. I was all alone. I genuinely felt I died right there and then. It really messed with my head for a few days, I would constantly feel there was some internal after effects and that I would die. That was a harsh reality check. It’s really just a matter of moments, you never know one minute it can be all good and you can be dead the very next minute.
One bad habit you want to quit but are unable to?
Not drinking water at all.
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
The worst I’d say is lack of sleep. But the best part is that we could sleep till the very last minute of make-up call since we don’t have to get up and dress up for work, we literally walk in as zombies and come out as queens!
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