Daring, Dazzling & Distinctive - Sadaf kanwal

At, what we call, the tender age of 25, Sadaf Kanwal has amassed what many couldn’t. The young Pakistani supermodel has been the ‘it’ girl of tinsel town for the longest time. In her easy-charm, bold brows and magical looks, our fashion industry appears to have discovered its own Greek goddess. She is intense, she is bold; she has the power to entrap the snare of camera's lens. From being glorified at billboard high, to entrancing the masses with her exotic belly dance in ‘Kaif-o-Suroor’, she knows it all. Having worked with the crème de la crème of the fashion fraternity, she has bagged a couple of prestigious awards for her modelling spells. Taking the reins of her life, she has lived through her dreams and still continues to do so. Stay with MAG, as we ask Sadaf why she is still the most sought-after supermodel in Pakistan, and much more. Excerpts:


What is one quality which sets you apart from your contemporaries?

That one quality is that I don’t let anything get to me. I don’t let people’s opinions hurt me. I have a thick skin and I have learnt to live with the fact that people will criticise you no matter what you do. I have seen this a lot, so I guess having a thick skin is more of a convenience rather than listening to every comment that comes your way, constructive criticism is always a good thing and we should appreciate it too, but I avoid negativity as much as I can.

If you were granted three magic wishes, what would you wish for?

Telepathy, so I can communicate without saying anything. To eat without gaining weight since I am a big foodie. To go back in the era of 40’s and meet Marilyn Monroe; she is my ideal. I love her a lot.

You are an ace model and have also tried your knack at acting. What do you enjoy doing more and why?

[I enjoy] both equally, but if I have to choose one it would obviously be modelling. Because that’s how I started out, it is like a dream come true for me. The excitement, the adrenaline rush I get while walking on the ramp, where everyone has their eyes on my every step, every moment is just incredible.

Does the number of social media followers have any impact on you?

Not really! Because numbers don’t define your worth. You define your own value and if you love what you do, and are honest about it, I believe it would inspire other people. They will follow you anyway.

Keeping in mind the pros and cons of social media, some celebs accidentally get prone to online judgements while some purposely ask for it. What is your say on it?

I don’t think there is anyone who likes being judged, especially when you are a television personality. It’s just not one person judging you, but the whole world. I don’t think I ever let those comments get to me, like I said everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Some may like what you are wearing, some may like the projects you are doing. There will always be some people who will love you no matter what, and those people are the ones who become your real strength and source of encouragement to do new things. And if we start letting Internet trolls make decisions for our lives, then we won’t be able to acheive anything ever.

Many celebrities oppose a stance that you shared on Tonite with HSY. What’s your message for the naysayers?

I had no intention of hurting anyone’s feelings. My words were taken into an entirely wrong context. As a woman myself, I love that women are coming together and speaking out against the wrong treatment that they have been facing for a long time now. Moreover, I think everyone is entitled to their own opinion, everyone has a right to have their own thought process, some may like it and some may not. We cannot please everyone.

How would you define your fashion philosophy?

My fashion philosophy is definitely being confident in whatever I wear or whatever I carry.

Anything you are specially addicted to?

I am addicted to my phone. It’s the first thing I check in the morning, right after I wake up and I can’t start my day without checking my notifications.

What is your stance on favouritism in the industry?

We can’t deny the fact that nepotism or favouritism does exist in our industry or most industries for that matter. But in my case, I have achieved everything on merit and I would want other people to get what they actually deserve.

Where do you see yourself 10 years down the line?

Well, it’s very difficult to just predict something. It’s too early to actually set plans for ourselves, it’s hard to predict the next decade, but I hope to get more endorsements, preferably campaigns with social causes. I think I will have a few singles out by then. I am seeing a good future in this industry and for my own progress as well. I am pretty enthusiastic about the future.

Do you think you are ‘the’ supermodel of Pakistan?

I have worked very hard for being where I am today, I am very determined, too. I don’t believe I’m the only supermodel of Pakistan, but yes I’m one of them and I’m proud of it.

What would you pick as an alternative career for yourself, if given the choice?

I always wanted to become a model, I don’t see myself going somewhere else, because that was my passion and I love the work I do. It gives me the excitement that I have always wished for. And I am standing firm on my ground.

RAPID FIRE

Lollywood, Bollywood or Hollywood?

Bollywood

Your favourite TV show?

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Your favourite movie?

Dilwane Dulhaniya le Jayengey

Are you a foodie?

Yes, I loveeee food!!!

Favourite food?

Anything that is homemade. Since, I am always busy with the shoots, I hardly get time to cook or have homemade food for myself. I literally crave for it.

Are you a shopaholic?

Yes! Who isn’t?

Most memorable moment?

When I first performed on the stage. I was nervous, but very excited.

First celebrity crush?

Bradley Cooper.

Something that keeps you going through the day?

Knowing the fact that I will have my comfy bed at the end of the day. [laughs].


Hair, makeup & photography: Akif Ilyas

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