Interview with Hong Kong based
Indian model Zahra Sheikh
By
India Models 28/01/2018
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Zahra Sheikh is a fashion model
and an actress based out of Hong Kong. Zahra hails from Mumbai and modeled in
Hong Kong before moving to London to study for her Bachelor's Degree in Drama
& Performance. Now back in Hong Kong she continues to pursue her passion for modeling and acting.
Zahra Sheikh is not only a talented model with stunning eyes, she is also very
focused and career driven. We talk about her love for modeling and acting, her
goals and the kind of projects she would like to take on.
IM: Can you tell us a bit about when
you realized that you wanted to be a model and how you started your modeling
career?
Zahra: I've always been a creative
individual. Since a young age actually. I was always into Bollywood movies,
acting, singing, dancing and modelling. It's not something I cooked up last
year, it's a career I've invested in since I was about 7. I love being
dramatic, Life just doesn't cut it otherwise. I started my modelling career by
doing a couple of print shoots in Hong Kong. Somehow once I got fully captured
by the whole scene, it became a must to continue. So, I moved to London at the
age of 17 to study a Bachelor's Degree in Drama & Performance, and peruse
the art of modelling.
IM: What’s a moment of your career that you are proudest of so far?
Zahra: I'm absolutely proud to be the
first Indian Muslim in the world to win Top Model UK Natural Beauty 2017. The
moment was phenomenal. I signed up for fun, what could a 20 year old lose at
the end of the day right? I thought it was impossible. Number 6 was called and
there you have it. A title with my name on it.
It really goes to show hard work pays off.
IM: What do you love the most about your job?
Zahra: I'm passionate about being in
front of the camera. I get some sort of a buzz out of it. Lights, flashes, make
up and fashion. The adrenaline is pumping throughout the set constantly for me.
A 9 am to a 9 pm shoot is highly satisfying and I could do it every day for the
rest of my life. It's not about the fame. It's a career I desire.
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IM: How would you describe your personal style?
Zahra: My personal style changes a lot
but I enjoy keeping things simple. Blacks, whites and greys fill my wardrobe. I
suck at the whole buying a bit of colour. A black leather jacket, White T,
Black skinnies and a pair of sneakers. Its comfortable, trendy & most of
all it just suits a day to day. No one's on the red carpet yet.
IM: Three things in your closet
that you love the most?
Zahra: 1. Black leather jacket
2. My light blue ripped jeans
3. Rose gold Halter neck top for a
Saturday session
IM: How do you stay in shape?
Zahra: Honestly, I was an absolute
Gym/sport freak a few years back. So the Muscles haven't disappeared but I cut
that down because my degree got in the way and that was a work out in itself. I
was on my feet rehearsing practically every day. I never diet, I eat what I
want but in limits so I tend to stay pretty toned up. Luckily, I don't have a
sweet tooth so I'm safe on that part too.
IM: Any beauty secrets that you
would like to share with the readers?
Zahra: Beauty Secrets? I nap a lot,
beauty needs sleep but I mean in terms of what I use on a day to day basis.
Pretty standard stuff. I'm not that fancy. I buy what does the job. I love a
good Olay Moisturizer before bed and before using a full face of makeup. The
Bodyshop Tea Tree Foam cleanser is good for the skin. And I like to use the
Classic Ponds facewash, gives me a fresh glow. Also, tons of drinking water to
stay hydrated.
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IM: What is your dream job as a
model?
Zahra: My dream job as a model is to be
on the cover of Vogue Magazine. It just amazes me how their spreads are
amazingly unique and have evolved throughout the years. I always am inspired by
their Instagram posts.
IM: You are also an aspiring
actress. If you could act in a remake of any classic movie, which movie and
role would you choose?
Zahra: This is a tough one. I have a very strong &
tough personality. It would have to be one of the bollywood movies, In the
crime section. "Samay" - Sushmita Sen or "Don" Priyanka
Chopra. I need a gun in my life to let some anger out.
IM: Anyone that you would love to
work with?
Zahra: I've worked with Anita Dongre
& Sonam Kapoor previously in London. I was one of the models showcasing Ms.
Dongre's work. I'm not sure if she'd remember me but I'd love to work with her
again, maybe in Mumbai.
Manish Malhotra has a stunning
collection of dresses & bridals. I'd grab an opportunity like that. Indian
designers are talented & to be able to work closely with them would be a
delight.
IM: Finally what are your goals
for the near future?
Zahra: My Goals for the future is to make
a full time career out of acting & modelling. I want to travel to all
corners of the world, working in movies, walking plenty of runways &
definitely getting myself photographed every second of the day. Bit of
attention is no harm I guess. Confidence & Faith is key.
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