Out with the ramp, in with the clapperboard

Model Saima Azhar on foraying into acting and leaving modelling career behind

KARACHI:

Having shot to fame with her modelling career on the ramp as well as photo shoots, model Saima Azhar is now keen on foraying into acting.

Speaking of bidding farewell to the ramp, Azhar told The Express Tribune, “I have bid adieu to the modelling world. As far as ramp walks are concerned, I have decided to confine myself purely to celebrity walks for international brands or local ones.” She added, “I became a supermodel within a brief period of time, however, deep down I always wanted to act and become a star one day.”

Of her acting projects that are in the pipeline, Azhar said she has been roped in for a Pakistani film to be helmed by a local director. Refusing to disclose details of the project, she stated, “I am sure my experience will be good. I will work in films in Pakistan and am willing to work across the border as well, if given a chance. I earnestly believe growth is essential for a model’s career.”



Currently, Azhar is occupied with campaign shoots in Lahore for retail store, Origins. About her career trajectory she said, “In four years I have achieved what others plan in a lifetime. Potential is required to grow in the fashion industry.”

In an earlier interview with Times of India, Azhar spoke about her trip to New Delhi and how she wanted to move to the Indian capital. “Mujhe lagta hai 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, Uttar Pradesh,” mentioned Azhar.



“I will be returning [to India] soon to get formal training in acting. Good actors from Pakistan such as Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan are now working here 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 stated.



Being an experienced model, she was quick to correct all misconceptions people hold about the Pakistani fashion industry. “People think that we only design traditional and bridal outfits. They are just one part of our fashion. Our designers have been experimenting with various drapes and cuts. Even our burqas now have a modern makeover,” she said.

Of whether she is proud of what she has achieved so far, she said, “I have been able to achieve a lot in a short period of time and I certainly feel it is the right time to move forward and let the youth take the mantle. Hence, I have decided to quit as far as ramp walks are concerned because I want young girls to come forward and walk the walk. The youth of today must be given a chance.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2015.

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