Every model is not lucky enough to be successful at the beginning of her career. Generally it needs a considerable time to get fame in the fashion industry. Islamabad based Farwa Kazmi is one such lucky model who is blessed with all the qualities, which are essential to join the league of leading models of Pakistan. In a very short span of time she has carved a niche for herself in the fashion industry. She has made it to the cover of many fashion magazines and has walked the ramp in many shows and done a lot of shoots. After modelling she has also started playing roles in plays. She is playing lead role in a drama serial, which is under production. In an exclusive interview with Sunday Plus she talks about her projects and fashion industry. Following are excerpts of the interview:
Q. How did you develop your skills as a fashion model?
I believe that I already had these in me, blessed with good looks, the right physique and the height made it much easier for me. However, with time I polished my skills with the help of my mentors and always appreciated the criticism and used it as my strength.
Q. Did your family encourage you to take up modelling as a profession or they wanted you to do something else?
My family never encouraged nor ever will. They wanted me to get higher education and then do a 9-5 job or some other business that is not related to fashion industry in any way.
Q: What is the secret of your success and did you ever imagine that you would be one of the leading models of Pakistan?
My secret is my good luck that I made it here in such a short span of time. I met the right kind of people in the start and did the right kind of work, and then definitely you need to have a passion, devotion and focus in the right direction. Yes, I always believed in myself that I would succeed.
Q: What is your most memorable fashion show or commercial to-date?
My most memorable fashion show is Fashion Pakistan Week. It was my first show in Karachi and I had a great time there.
Q: What distinguishes a good model from a bad one?
Professionalism and versatility are two traits which distinguish a good model from a bad one.
Q: What distinguishes a good photographer from a bad one?
For me a good photographer is the one who doesn't take very long to take a few shots and who makes sure that the model and everything about her is looking perfect and doesn't leave it to the model to do all the work.
Q: What are some of the main differences between runway and photographic modelling?
Runway is a live show; you have to take care of a lot of things at the same time and all on your own. You have to walk in front of a large audience carrying the outfit beautifully with best attitude and expressions even if you are getting nervous or about to trip on the ramp. Whereas in photographs you are more comfortable and there is a team to help you with stuff. You can relax and give best postures and expressions because you have time.
Q: What is the public's biggest misconception of female models?
That they have a bad character and are on drugs. People believe that models don't come from a good family background and are not educated but this is not the case anymore.
Q: How do you perceive fashion? And how it is different from style?
Fashion is something that one follows as per the trends whereas style comes from within which depicts your sense of self, your identity that differentiates you from others.
Q: How did your career enriched your personal life in anyway?
Because of this career I happen to travel a lot and come across different people so it is a source of exposure for me.
Q: Do you think models depict an unrealistic picture of women in reference to weight and beauty?
Not in my opinion, because I was as skinny as I am now when I was not a model. I believe that if any woman tries hard and is fully motivated, anything can be achieved.
Q: What do you dislike/hate about the fashion industry?
I hate two-faced people in the fashion industry and their fakeness. It's very hard to find people with genuine heart in this industry.
Q: What is fun and rewarding about modelling?
Getting dolled up and pampered all the time, and feeling glamorous and then getting paid for it. LOL
Q: What do you dislike about modelling?
The long-awaiting hours. I am a very impatient human, and I hate it so much when I have to sit and wait for hours at the shows and shoots.
Q: What is in pipeline?
I'm playing a lead role in a drama for PTV named 'Sahira'. And you'll be seeing me as one of the two new faces of Khaadi.
RAPID FIRE
You wish you could: Travel the world
Your dream project: To complete my bachelors from abroad
Your favourite fashion models: Cara Delevingne, Giśele and from Pakistan Mehreen Syed and Eruj
Any language you want to learn and speak?: French
What do you usually wear in daily life?: In Summers I wear Shalwar Kameez and in Winters Jeans
You don’t like people who are...: Hypocrites
Among your friends you are known as...: The most hilarious/fun loving person
Your beauty regimen...: Exercise, increased use of juices and fruits and taking care of my skin
One person you would love to dine out with: My best friend
Your worst nightmare...: Is after watching horror movies; getting killed in my sleep and seeing blood
