The Rising Force

Maha Tahirani has surely become a force to be reckoned with

Maha Tahirani is more than just a rising star and has surely become a force to be reckoned with. With a number of high profile campaigns under her belt, Maha has also bagged herself her first LUX Style Awards nomination for ‘Emerging Talent’. The young model often takes to her Instagram to share glimpses of her life and her work with her fans and followers. Maha recently spoke up about unrealistic standards of beauty in the industry and we’re here for it! We had a heart to heart with Maha over a cup of coffee to find out more about this rising star!

When was the first time you realised you wanted to be a model and why?

I actually never aspired to be one, it was a wonderfully destined meeting with Tabesh Khoja, who saw the potential in me and discovered me. Ever since there’s been no looking back!

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

I would tell her to never settle because whatever she wants exists.

Who is your role model and why?

I’ve come across way too many inspiring people to have one role model. I learn every day so my role model is every single mother out there striving hard. Every child that’s pursuing their passion, every woman that’s breaking gender based standards and typically every human that’s reshuffling their deck of cards to find happiness. But most importantly my role model is my mother, the ultimate picture of compassion and strength to me.

What are some of the challenges you faced when entering the industry, if any?

I don’t think I faced many challenges entering the industry, in fact I feel the industry was exceedingly welcoming to my potential and hard work. Of course like every other field it requires a lot of hard work, but if you’re focused, It will always pay back.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be and why?

Even though Pakistani fashion has seen amazing progress recently and it has become a lot more accepting of diversity of skin tones, I do feel that I haven’t come across body diversity as yet. A change I’d love to see is some plus size modelling!

What advice would you give to young girls who want to venture into modelling?

I feel the generation today is passion-driven, way more motivated and aware. So there’s not much advice they need, Apart from the fact, that if they believe it is what they want, they should stay focused, and make it happen!

How do you strike a balance between professional and personal life?

Balance is a hard thing to strike in life, I believe it is an ongoing learning process and only comes to you with time and experiences. My key to balance is to prioritise things that bring me happiness and satisfaction.

What is one beauty product you never leave the house without?

Definitely a fresh pink lip tint!

What is your favourite campaign you’ve worked on so far?

This is a tough one! This year has been full of exceedingly talented people, beautiful images, locations and experiences but a few of my favourites would be Nomad-Alkaram, Mahay-SanaSafinaz, Elan, and Zainab Chottani.

If there is one international designer you could work for, who would it be?

Alexander McQueen and Chanel.

How do you stay away from the negativity and self esteem issues that social media can bring with it?

I have a staunch belief that ignorance is bliss. Having said that, staying at bay from the dilemma of negativity is not easy. I often practice solitude, take a break when necessary and resort to my hobbies for refuge.