T-Diaries: Amna Ilyas

A glimpse into the world of Pakistani powerhouses

What sparked your interest in the fashion industry?

I never really wanted to become a model but I was really tall, even as a teenager. I got my first modelling assignment when I was just 16!

How has the Pakistani fashion industry changed over the past years?

The fashion industry has evolved tremendously. I think the competition has become stiff and designers are coming out with better lines and concepts each year. Models also have to stay on top of their game and maintain professionalism, which is key.

What is the hardest part about working in the industry?

The hardest part is that our job is very time consuming. I hardly get any time for my family and friends.

Which designers do you believe are the most influential?

I think it’s best not to comment on that.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is very casual and trendy.

If awards were for sale, how much would you pay for them?

Awards don’t make any difference in your life. True recognition is when people come up to you and appreciate your work.

Who has inspired you the most throughout your career?

My only inspiration is my mother because she is a single mom and a very strong woman.

You recently worked on the movie Zinda Bhaag alongside the legendary Naseeruddin Shah. Are your fans going to see more of you on the silver screen?

Yes, of course! I love to act and am currently working on a movie project called Driven. It is being directed by British director Michael Hudson, almost entirely in a vintage Mercedes W126 S-Class from 1978. The rest of the team includes Kamran Faiq and Naveed Mehmood as producers, a cinematographer from Poland and sound technician from Russia too. It’s going to be great. I can’t wait for the film to hit the cinemas in late 2015.

What do you have to say about the new talent in the country?

I think it’s great that we have new talent in the first place.

Any advice to young women aspiring to make it big in this field?

Stay beautiful.

Amna Ilyas

Model and Actor

Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, February 8^th, 2015.