Super Model 2011: Make way for the models

Pakistan's upcoming reality TV show 'Super Model 2011' being created along same lines as 'America’s Next Top...

LAHORE: Fans of reality television were amazed when the 18-year-old Texas born Nida, of Pakistani origin, participated in Tyra Banks’ hugely popular “America’s Next Top Model”. Nida spoke on the show of her mother’s potential reservations and that she wanted to be a role model for other Pakistani girls. Stereotypes about models are commonly found in online discussions et al, and one wonders how successful “The Super Model 2011”, a local adaptation of the international show, will be in Pakistan.

Producers Shoaib and Sadya Khan, who have been creating reality shows for A TV, have decided to step up to the challenge of emulating Tyra Banks’ show in Pakistan. “We are creating this show on the same lines as ‘America’s Next Top Model’, but of course we will have to tailor it according to our own culture and norms of acceptability,” explains Shoaib. The duo has recently done a reality show on a similar theme called “Beyond the Glam” that takes a close look at celebrities.

The Pakistani version will follow the format of the international programme, which also has spin-offs in the UK, Australia and Canada. There will be auditions from which 12 girls will be selected by a  jury comprising of model Natasha Hussain, fashion photographer Shani of the Guddu and Shani duo, and Niche magazine’s chief editor Pashmina Malik. The contestants will participate in a round of activities such as photo and fashion editorial shoots, ramp walks, make-up and personal grooming from designers.

Even though the fashion industry in Pakistan is not as large as the countries these model hunts have been run in, it is sizeable enough to support such an enterprise from a local perspective. It would be interesting to see the avenues from which talent emerges and what agents in the industry are able to hone it. Bridal Couture Week, which came to a close recently, had also held a model hunt under its banner which was judged by supermodel and the producer of the event, Vaneeza Ahmed. The hunt yielded 16 new names that then graced the ramp at the bridal week.

Frieha Altaf was part of the model hunt held by Veet which was won by Saima. She went on to model at Fashion Week and made an appearance in a Zong advertisement.

Like Tyra Banks’ show, “Super Model 2011” will also be giving away a grand prize comprising a trip to Malaysia, four to five pret wear ensembles from designers, a one-year contract with fashion photographers Guddu and Shani, a one-year contract with the A Plus channel, a cover shoot with Niche Magazine, Page 3 coverage, and a one-year membership to the Sukh Chen Wellness Club.

Auditions will be held on December 15 at the World Fashion Cafe in Lahore, and the show will go on air in January next year.

Published in The  Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2010.