Finding the real Fia

Model-actor talks about gaining ground in modelling, television stints and life with family

KARACHI: It’s perhaps Fia Khan’s fierce outlook on life that has gotten her this far in the cut-throat field of fashion. Nine years in modelling and still going strong, she has emerged as one of the most frequent faces on the runway. As she continues to earn her spurs in modelling, she has been open to exploring other avenues, such as television. The Express Tribune speaks to the model, actor and mother, roles that Fia seems to effortlessly juggle between.

The 33-year-old stepped foot in the world of modelling when she was visiting her mother from Germany. “I entered modelling in 2006 and was first spotted at Lajwanti Silver Jubilee Show. Next, I featured in an ad campaign for Maria B and since then, there has been no turning back,” she says. On how the field of modelling has progressed over the year, she shares, “Back in the day, it was said that modelling is a do number kaam. That was a wrong perception of the field.”



Crediting social media with playing a positive role in this regard, Fia feels that this once prevalent image of the industry has changed over the course of time. “It has been nine years since I’ve been associated with the ramp and I’ve not regretted it for a single moment. It also depends on how you handle yourself,” she states.

With a new face emerging in modelling every other day, contemporaries may not only find it challenging to maintain their position but also to make novices feel welcome. Contrarily, Fia says about her and contemporaries, such as Rabia Butt and Sabina Pasha, “When a new girl enters the field, we all welcome her with open arms.” Commenting on who she deems has left an indelible mark in the industry, she says, “First, it was Ayyan who came a long way and now I see Sadaf Kanwal making it really big.”

Fia laments that many of those in the field don’t take it seriously. “People don’t consider modelling as a business and are here for fun. It’s a full-time job and they need to understand that it’s a business,” she holds. On what factors she considers when selecting projects, she states, “There’s no criteria for me. Fashion weeks are my babies. I’ve done some of the very first ones and they are something I’ll continue doing. As far as I’m concerned, being treated well is all that matters.”

On the family front, Fia is married to Qasim Ali, who she met on the sets of the play Khuda Zameen Se Gaya Nahi. “Everything is getting better and better [with time]. I’m happily married and I have two kids. I just want to take my career to another level now,” says Fia. Now, she is gearing up to play the lead role in Faisal Qureshi’s first-ever production, Jiya Jala Jaye Re. She decided to take up the TV project as she feels, “TV is where you grow every day. The drama stars Ushna, Faisal and me in lead roles.” She is well-acquainted with the TV industry as a morning show host as well. For her fans, she sends the following message, “When you leave your house, leave it with the hope of showing some respect to another person on the road. Please remain calm and respect others.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th,  2015.

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