Nadia Hussain is a model who is arguably one of Pakistan’s finest. By the sheer force of her talent and her astonishing range she has triumphed. Yes! But believe me, there’s a lot more behind the stylish exterior. There are depths to her personality that no camera hasn’t captured yet. Her humility…her innate courtesy are just a few facets of an extraordinary women.
Fashion Times Magazine in conversation with the gifted Nadia Hussain. Read on…
Q) What did it take to become Nadia Hussain? Or it just happened
A) Nadia Hussain happened by default not by design. Initially I was more inclined towards my studies. I was juggling between my dentistry and modeling. My dedication and results made my college management realize that I was really focused on my studies.
I used to miss out on a lot of shoots and shows to ensure that my studies won’t get affected. I didn’t had the conventional eastern features, but always had an edge due my western features. My looks counted a lot as I had the perfect height and physique to be a model.
Q) Did you grow up wanting to be a model? What did you always wanted to be?
A) I didn’t grow up wanting to be a model. I was more inclined towards science and research sciences. I was interested to become a surgeon or something related in the medical field.
View this post on Instagram
Q) What are the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
A) The most interesting shoot was for the cover of FAQ magazine with Deepak Perwani. The shoot was unique and was never been done before. We had Tapu Javeri on board as the photographer. Deepak’s vision was to portray sheer womanhood. I was seven months pregnant with my third child. He had envisioned a bossy and manly look. There was an issue while shooting, that my tummy wasn’t prominent in those oversized clothes, therefore Parwani got me some tight fitted clothes and we completed the shoot. I faced a lot of hurdles as we shot at a vintage office building at Saddar.
It was dusty, I had to lie down on the floor and there wasn’t any proper place for dress change. But all’s well that ends well, the shoot came out very well though it wasn’t exactly what Deepak had imagined.
Q) Who’s your favorite photographer you’ve done a shoot with and why?
A) Rizwan is among those photographers who have always managed to make me look beautiful no matter what. My face has always been tough and challenging as I don’t have the typical eastern features (even though it works in my favor) I may end up looking endogenous. There are shoots which requires you to look beautiful and Rizwan has the edge to make me look beautiful.
View this post on Instagram
Q) As an actor, is it harder to find scripts which satisfy your soul? How do stay inventive as an actor?
A) Yes, it is really very hard to find scripts that satisfy me. I don’t have the liberty to be picky and choosy for roles as I don’t have much time to invest myself in acting. I would consider doing a telefilm or a smaller role in a serial making sure that I get a fat pay cheque. As of now it’s about getting the money and be visible on screen. People do watch dramas and follow you. If a good script come my way, I’ll definitely grab it.
Q) When will Nadia Hussain be gracing the silver screen?
A) That’s a big question mark. I have been approached to do roles of second wife’s and step mothers but that not the kind of cinema I’d like to do. I haven’t got a script that excites me to say yes. As of now, I hope that this pandemic shall be over soon and we would all enjoy the magic of the silver screen.
Q) You are a practicing dentist and run your salon and lawn line. Owning your own business calls for both creative and business acumen, which one do you use the most?
A) I am not a practicing dentist. Yes I do have a clinic which is run by another doctor. The dental clinic is in my salon. I was doing Lawn with a manufacturing company which had a split within the business; therefore I am not doing the Lawn anymore. I use my business acumen more than the creative aspect. Creativity is required when it comes to do a shoot, but mostly it’s the business acumen. By the grace of Allah it’s been seven years of the successful run of my saloon. I am working more towards expanding the salon towards new heights of success.
View this post on Instagram
Q) The fashion world is like a whirlwind, with the travelling, work schedules, etc. How do you manage to stay grounded?
A) Marriage and children have kept be grounded. I have to do my work, travel a lot than off course stardom is there too. My family actually doesn’t really allow me to dwell on that much. If I am in a mall with my children and someone comes around for a selfie, I click pictures with them and get back to my children again. It’s just like snapping for a moment. There are fan moments where people shower me with gifts and their love. At the end of the day I am just Nadia who’s a wife and a mother, so that really kind off keeps me grounded.
Q) How difficult it is to keep a balance between stardom and motherhood?
A) It’s difficult to keep a balance between stardom and motherhood. I have learnt to prioritize my life, if I am needed for my kids I am there for them. Sometimes I spend the entire day with my children and attend an event in the evening. One requires a lot of energy to do that, which I have thankfully. I have to go for my exercise, picking up children from school, events, saloon etc. I kind of juggle between the entire schedule quite efficiently.
View this post on Instagram
Q) How important is social media in changing and developing concepts of beauty?
A) Social media has drastically changed the concepts of beauty in today’s time and age. A lot has become superficial, western blogs are trending everywhere which kind of gives the concept of highlighting and contouring, in short (thopofying) too much makeup. They ignore the importance of natural beauty.
It gives an impression that a woman can look beautiful only when she wears makeup. That isn’t true! I posted my no make selfie (unfiltered picture) on the social media. It was immensely appreciated by people but some criticized also. The purpose of it was to make people realize it’s not about looking beautiful all the time, it about being real.
Q) Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
A) Confidence is the best weapon for new comers. One should be well aware about their strengths and weakness. Looks can be taken care of. Trends are changing internationally; people who aren’t slim are featuring on magazine covers, even doing fashion shows. Our industry is not at that level yet, but soon it will move on. Many designers are inclining towards these trends to promote real beauty.
Q) On a happier note, what are you looking forward to this year?
A) I have recently launched my ‘Go Maleup Palette’. It’s a unique all in one make up kit that gives you flawless complexion on the go without carrying multiple make accessories in your bag. I am truly overwhelmed with the response.
View this post on Instagram
Rapid Fire:
Which five words would your friends use to describe you?
Energetic, Happy go lucky, Dedicated, Focused and crazy at times.
What is your favorite healthy snack?
I like to munch a lot on nuts.
What is your all time favorite movie?
Gone with the wind.
Which make-up brands are you using?
There isn’t one. I use many i.e. MAC, Smash Box, Huda Beauty, Dermacol, Anastasia Beverly Hills etc.
How would you define your personal style?
Casual, Comfortable and Sheek. I mostly opt for a western outfit within which I can go shopping, lunch and picking kids from school etc.
Who are some of your favorite designers?
Ayesha Hashwani. I am very fond of her resort collection. The designs and cuts are very flattering. When it comes to wear a formal outfit I usually opt for a Nomi Ansari, HSY and Deepak Parwani.
View this post on Instagram
When you’re at work, what are some of your favorite things to do?
At work I usually chat and gossip with friends. We have the world at our finger tips therefore social media or goggling something doing research work regarding my business.
What is the one thing that annoys you the most?
Insensitive attitude of people towards children on social media annoys me the most. It comes to me as a shock when a woman is insensitive towards other woman and children.
What’s the strangest thing you have ever eaten?
Eel
Where would you go, if you become invisible?
I would like to go in a boy’s locker room and listen what actually boys talk about.
What was the first thing you bought from your first pay cheque?
Lots and lots of makeup and shoes.
What’s the most unusual thing you have in your handbag?
It’s a Swiss card by Victoria Knocks. It’s a small gadget which looks like a credit card. It is very handy as it has nail cutter, pen, nail file, screwdriver, toothpick and a pin.
How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
If I am going for an event, it takes me forty five minutes to get ready otherwise for my daily routine, it takes seven minutes to be ready and go for exercise.
Have you ever lied to a journalist regarding any rumor?
Thankfully their aren’t much rumors about me.
View this post on Instagram
What’s the best excuse you’ve made if you get late for a shoot or appointment?
Excuses related to children are always the best excuses.
What’s the one thing you can talk for hours on end?
Makeup
What’s the late night food that you crave for?
I don’t have much late night cravings. If I am watching a movie late night than I like to have pop corns, salted chips with slims.
One person you always wanted to meet but never got a chance yet?
Benazir Bhutto
Are you obsessed with Selfie’s?
I don’t take selfie’s for the sake of just clicking a selfie. If I am at a fun and happening event so I click selfie’s and post it on snap chat and instagram. I don’t do it on a regular basis.
How often do you goggle?
Goggle is my best friend. I am goggling all the time, related to my business or international trends etc.
