Having walked the ramp for some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, featured in numerous television commercials, and a popular face in the acting world, the talented Areeba Habib shares it all with OK! Pakistan.
What are your origins?
Areeba Habib: My family belongs to Karachi, I was born and raised here and I am proud to belong to the city of lights!
How were you discovered? Did you always want to get into modeling?
AH: I had always been interested in acting and modeling in particular was something that I had not really given much thought to. I was at a high tea with my parents once and that is when someone suggested modeling for the first time. Thankfully as I took it on, it worked out really well and I am very grateful.
So what was the first thing you learned as a model?
AH: For starters, the posture! Then comes styling yourself, what your own sense of fashion is, and I think one must always try to keep a keen eye out for what they find tasteful.
You made your television debut with a lead role in 2018 in the series Koi Chand Rakh. How was the experience and the transition from modeling to acting?
AH: It was a great experience; it could not have gone any better. Initially the transition from modeling to acting felt overwhelming but when I was in front of the camera in a whole new way, I got really excited and I got to work with some very helpful and supportive people for which I am very grateful.
Have any of your notions of the industry changed since you’ve started out?
AH: Yes, your outlook on things keeps evolving. It’s a long process from being a newcomer to finding initial success, to keeping your feet on the ground, to sustaining healthy professional relationships and especially continuing to work hard. I used to be very nervous in the beginning but I’ve developed a lot more confidence lately and become way more grounded now.
Would you say you are passionate about your work?
AH: Of course, I’m very passionate about acting as well as modeling. Acting allows me to step outside my skin and modeling allows me to really get comfortable in my own skin. It’s almost a poles apart experience and I love the wholesomeness that the two offer together.
What’s something that you think that all models have in common – aside from looking a certain way?
AH: I think what all models have in common is the aspiration to love themselves for who they are. I feel like that is the best and most fruitful way to really bring out the best in you. Self love!
Do you find the work-life balance easy to maintain?
AH: Not just work-life but everything from small to big to one-offs to daily routines. Life is one big balance and I feel like the very key to happiness is moderation. Excess of anything is bad.
As far as photographers, who have been some of the best that you’ve met or worked with?
AH: Shahbaz Shazi – I think he is really talented at what he does and I feel like he captures me better than anyone else. Someone I really hope to work with at some point is Abdullah Haris. I think he’s very innovative!
How do you feel on the runway?
AH: The runway gives me an adrenaline rush unlike anything else I have ever experienced. I love the spotlight on the runway and I take every opportunity to shine very seriously and give it my all!
What’s one of the most interesting shoots that you’ve done?
AH: There was a shoot in Bangkok but when we reached the location, there was heavy rain and the shoot was delayed. It continuously rained for seven days and our shoot was delayed for seven days. It ended up being a fun and very interesting experience.
What’s next for you?
AH: Like I said, acting and modeling allow me to push my limits forward in two very different ways and I guess what’s next is achieving the most harmonious balance I can in both these disciplines.
Biggest luxury?
AH: My home and my family.
Modeling or Acting?
AH: Both.
Do you have a go-to label?
AH: Generation.
Style icon?
AH: Rosie Huntington.
Describe yourself in three words?
AH: Passionate, hard worker, beautiful.
What do you do in your downtime?
AH: I don’t get much downtime because I always get wrapped up with my family as well as travelling and so many other things.
Favourite international and local model?
AH: Rosie Huntington and my favourite local models are Sabina Pasha and Mehreen Syed.
Favourite destination?
AH: Italy.
If you weren’t a model you would be…?
AH: A designer.
Celebrity crush?
AH: Bradley Cooper and Fawad Khan.
MAKE-UP: BABAR ZAHEER
PHOTOGRAPHY: JAFFER HASAN
