I should be in India, says Pakistani model Saimaa Azhar

The model says she was 'dropped in Pakistan by mistake' after spending only a week in Delhi

Saimaa Azhar has gained popularity in the fashion world. She recently walked the ramp at Shaan-e-Pakistan in New Delhi and after having spent only a week in the Indian capital she feels she should be living there, not in Pakistan.

"I feel main wahan [Pakistan] galti se drop ho gayi hoon, I should be in India. My mother is originally from Lucknow and my father is from Hardoi in UP. So, my family roots are in Uttar Pardesh," Saimaa said in an interview with Times of India.

"After my father migrated to Pakistan, I was born and brought up there. This is the first time I am visiting India and I totally love it," she added.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/SAIMAAAZHAR

In the interview, Saimaa spoke her heart out about modelling, starting an acting career soon and even apologised to India on behalf of Veena Malik.

"I will be returning [to India] soon to train formally in acting. Good actors from Pakistan like Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are working here now and doing some good work. I don't want to talk about girls like Veena Malik. I should be saying sorry to India on behalf of these girls. What she did was not appreciable," she said.

Saimaa was in India for only a week but that didn't keep her from exploring Delhi: "I spent most of my time here shopping. I went to Chandni Chowk and bought some chanderi silk with zardozi and zari work and some beautiful saris as well. I was told by people here that Lajpat Nagar is a must-visit if you love shopping. So, one evening was spent at Lajpat Nagar buying jewellery."

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Having had a good amount of experience in the fashion industry, she corrected all misconceptions people might hold about the Pakistani fashion industry.

"People think that we only design traditional and bridal outfits, but that is just one part of our fashion. Our designers have been experimenting with various drapes and cuts. Even our burqas now have had a modern makeover, despite not too many women wearing them anymore," she said.

While she has never donned a burqa, she explains how even in the international market the concept of wearing a plain, black burqa has evolved.

"I have never worn one, but now burqas come in all colours and are tailored like gowns, as per body type. Some young designers make burqas with embroidery. In countries like Canada, velvet burqas are in demand. The starting price for designer burqas is about Rs10,000, and it can go higher depending on the fabric used and the embroidery," she added.

And she didn't forget updating her Facebook status before leaving India:
[fbpost link="https://www.facebook.com/saima.azhar.986/posts/1070708069607140"]