“I remember when I was 14 years old, I was told I could be a model,” recollected Baber. Reminiscing on how she coupled with the fashion world, Baber adds, “I was with my aunt while she was getting her make-up done, when Shahzad Bhai came up to me and said I had features that were perfect for a model.” Shahzad, of Ather-Shahzad fame recommended she pursue a modelling career. Since then she has come a long way and her latest accolade was winning the LSA 2014 for the category of ‘Best Emerging Talent.’
The 25-year-old, who is currently based in Lahore, says she was spotted for the first time by make-up artist and photographer Khawar Riaz for PFDC in Karachi in 2010. Later it Sehyr Saigol who picked her up for a shoot for a Libas magazine cover. However, Baber laments she remained overlooked by the Karachi crowd of spectators and fashionistas till her big break. Starring in a fashion campaign video for designer Shehla Chatoor’s ‘Soigne’ collection in 2013 brought her to prominence. The video, which went viral, had to its credit the work of photographer Nadir Firoz Khan while the makeup was done by Natasha’s salon. Baber was paired alongside Amna Ilyas. “That brought me to the limelight. People from Karachi had never noticed me before,” she says.
Baber is the current brand ambassador of Sana Safinaz lawn since 2014. When probed about city preferences, she asserts, “Both Karachi and Lahore folk are very loyal to their work. However, when you’re in Karachi, people look after you well once they know you‘re from Lahore. That is the only difference.”
Standing by her profession and career choices, she asserts, “Sadly, the business of modelling and the world of showbiz is greatly criticised. When it comes to the idea of showbiz, everybody is game to criticise the field without having much knowledge of it. Really, it all depends on how good you are — that’s all that matters.”
Distinguishing Lahori models from Karachi’s, she comments, “I love working with Lahori models more. You feel more welcome and each of them treat you like a family member. However, with Karachi, I have found models to be very reserved for whatever reason.”
The ramp for her is a love unto itself: “I love the ramp and I enjoy doing catwalk. It makes me the centre of attraction and there are photographers all around who capture those priceless moments. When I’m on the ramp, I consider myself a princess.”
LSA 2014 ‘Best Emerging Talent’ award gave her a sense of reassurance, she says. “Everyone said I truly deserved it and I felt very grateful when I won. I was nominated for the very first time and I got lucky. I feel honoured that people believed in me and that they truly felt I had earned it.”
Was it karma that played its part to quick success? She says, “Lady-luck has been very kind to me. And secondly, my mom’s prayers have helped me achieve my modelling goals in life. Models usually get noticed by big brands when they are in the sixth year of their career; however, I have been lucky by the third year of my vocation.” Taking life with a pinch of salt, she concludes, “My luck has shined brightly, but I must tell you, I go with the flow with whatever life has to offer me.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2015.
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