Soft-hearted, honest and hardworking. These qualities define the vivacious model, Sadia Khan. Belonging to a Mughal family, Khan professionally began her career as a model in 2010, and over the course of a decade, she has established her ground in the fashion industry, bringing an overarching skill-set to the table.
Sadia has tried her luck with acting and has found equal success, particularly for her role in her breakout drama Khuda Aur Mohabbat.
Even then, very little is known about Sadia, who avoids being in the spotlight. Don’t know much about her yet? Who she really is and what she feels passionate about? Well, we have got you covered! Discover the real Halimah Sadia in a first with OK! Pakistan.
Our readers would like to know more about you.
SADIA KHAN: I am a simple, honest girl who is passionate about acting and modeling and I have been in the industry for almost a decade now. I am living my dreams!
You have named your Instagram handle “Halimah Sadia Khan.” Tell us what prompted you to choose a rather unique profile name?
SK: My real name is Halimah Sadia, and my caste is Khan. My friends and family have never called me Halimah, so I guess I just stuck with Sadia. My mother, who passed away when I was thirteen, named me Halimah so I never changed it, though I have been told it is a very common name.
How do you want the modeling business to grow in Pakistan?
SK: I think the modeling business in Pakistan has been stagnant for quite some time now and needs to be paid more attention to!
How do you muster so much confidence in the field of modeling? Is it something that you have to train yourself for?
SK: It all comes with time and experience. You can’t learn or be confident from day one. You eventually grow and learn with the passage of time. Nothing is inherited. You just evolve and improve, and I think all of us should do that. Looking back, I can say that I have come a long way. I have improved myself in my work and the way I deal with people.
Why is the modeling world cutthroat?
SK: I have a very different experience and idea of the modeling world. I just do what I want to do. You won’t see me attending parties, launches, award shows, or anything for that matter. I am very picky about work.
What lessons can Pakistan’s fashion industry extract from around the world?
SK: Our fashion industry has a lot of potential. We just need to follow a path that would help us build that potential. We need to promote our culture and trends instead of following trends set by the world. That should be our top priority and is the only way our industry can make it on the global map.
What are your thoughts on the body positivity movement? Do you feel that Pakistan’s fashion industry is accepting of plus-size models?
SK: I am all for it, of course. I don’t think physical attributes should define you. As far as our industry goes, it will take us a while to get there.
Many people in the entertainment industry choose to change themselves physically through plastic and cosmetic surgeries. Why is this trend so rampant in the global entertainment industry, in your view? Is there a problem that needs to be addressed here that is causing people to look a certain way?
SK: I believe you should groom yourself with time but you should only do things that look good on you. Everything has a limit, so you shouldn’t overdo anything. Plastic and cosmetic surgeries aren’t just limited to the showbiz world. Even normal people opt for them. Everyone is bound to do whatever they want so I wouldn’t want to comment.
How would you describe your personal style?
SK: My motto is to be what you are and wear what you like. I believe whatever looks good on you should be your style, and that is what I do instead of just following trends.
We haven’t seen you a lot in television dramas. Why is that?
SK: Like I said, I am very picky about work. I just don’t pick or sign anything. Another reason is that I live in Lahore and the drama industry is in Karachi. I can’t commit to living in another city for three or four months because I can’t stay away from my father for that long. He is very sick.
What is keeping you busy lately?
SK: I stopped working when COVID-19 was at its peak. I have now gradually resumed work under precautions, so I am busy with shoots, my family and friends and occupied with travelling.
What do you love to do when you are not working?
SK: I love being home, spending time with my family and cooking for myself.
What does a regular day look like in your life?
SK: A regular day in my life usually involves spending time with my family, looking after the house and going for groceries. The usual stuff!
Who do you credit for your success?
SK: You should be hardworking in any field, and of course, it is with the prayers of my parents and the blessings of Allah that I am successful.
Some words of encouragement for aspiring models, both slim and healthy, who wish to make it big in fashion?
SK: Stay loyal to your work and your time. Work hard and keep your intentions pure. That is the best advice I can give. Also, take care of yourself, your diet and your health.
Unplug with Sadia Khan
Which fashion fad are you a fan of right now?
Nothing in particular. Staying home during COVID-19 has got me lounging in comfy clothes.
An overused fashion term, according to you?
Effortless fashion.
A decent fragrance or a good accessory?
A decent fragrance.
In success, it is important to be…
A hard worker.
What do you look for in an ideal man?
He should be loyal, simple like me. Someone who has a good heart! If someone isn’t good at heart, the rest of the things won’t matter to me.
Two things on your to-do list for 2021?
I don’t plan my life; I leave things to Allah. For 2021, I am praying and hoping for the best for myself and everyone else.
INTERVIEW: HAIDER RIFAAT
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESY OF SADIA KHAN
