Up-close and Personal with the Style Icon of Pakistan – Nadia Hussain

A confident model, a dedicated actor, and a disciplined host, Nadia Hussain is indeed a pride of the Showbiz Industry in Pakistan. Groomed within an inch of her life, this gorgeously stunning artist sketches about her life in this interview with Youth Correspondent.

Date of Birth/Zodiac Sign?
11th Jan, Capricorn.

Family and Educational Background?
Married and have two kids.

O’levels, A’levels, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Fatima Jinnah Dental College.

Favorite Food?
All kinds – Pakistani, Thai, Japanese, Italian.

Favorite Colour?
Shades of blues and reds.

One thing you cannot live without?
My phone!

Something you hate the most?
Creepy crawly insects.

You are very conscious about…
My dressing!

What was the last book you read?
Shopaholics diary.

Three words that describe you?
Energetic, persevering, forward thinking.

Gatherings you like the most?
Where there are lots of friends.

A tagline that defines you completely?
There’s always a next step in the ladder of success.

Your biggest fear?
Becoming sick and debilitated.

Two songs on your cell phone’s playlist that you listen very often to?
Tonight I’m loving you by Enrique and Sweat on the dance floor by J Lo.

How do you make your Sundays’ special?
We regularly go to the beach.

You’re exceptionally at ease with the camera. Is it inborn or has this developed with time?
It’s definitely developed with time but I was quick to learn.

Being a doctor is a pretty demanding profession. Where did the idea of being a model emerge from?
I was studying BDS and was modeling at the same time. Immediately after I got married,  I never really practiced my medical profession so only juggling showbiz wasn’t so difficult.

Any funny experience with a fanatic fan?
Actually there has been none.

How do you strike a balance between professional life and personal life?
One needs to prioritize and do things accordingly, though, at times, one or the other can get compromised but you have to make up for it.

Any advice for working mothers?
Make sure you take time out for yourself.

Favorite holiday spot?
Any beach spot of the world.

Your aunt, Tina Sani, is a well-known singer of our country. Do you have an interest in this field?
If the interest is there, it’s never been brought out because I never had time, but so far being a bathroom singer is good enough.

Where do you see Pakistan’s fashion industry five years down the line?
Hopefully on some international platform.

Who is your favorite designer to work with?
Ayesha Hashwani, because of the beautiful cuts and clothes.

Who is your favorite co-model to work with?
Iraj, Vinny, Tooba, Cybil.

What message do you want to give to the women of Pakistan?
Stand up for your rights and fight back.

Who would be your personal favorite stylist?
Saba Ansari of Sabs.

Do you have a sweet tooth? If yes, then how do you resist the cravings?
I love any kind of chocolate cake and mostly don’t resist, but I work it off.

You recently designed your own lawn prints and shoe-line. How would you narrate that experience?
It was a great learning experience but my deal is that I work with a partner/investor. I am mostly involved in designing and selecting but production is not my headache. Hence, my job becomes easy.

What is Nadia Hussain’s favorite place to shop?
In Karachi, there’s Sunday bazaar to get lots of fun stuff from, but abroad there’s Forever 21, Zara, Aldo, Bershka etc.

Any plans to work in the film industry?
Yes! Sure, if there’s an interesting role.

By being in the industry for so long, do you think you have achieved what you aimed for?
I had never really thought of achieving anything in this field and I wanted to head back to medicine, but soon after, when I started gaining fame, success and money, that’s when I started wanting to gain more and got into acting, hosting and now business. FINALLY, I have started a clinic too!!! Though the clinic is not a dental one, it is related to cosmetic procedures like Botox, fillers, peels, mesotherapy, skin rejuvenation and beautification procedures.

Do you perceive the new generation to be bringing about a difference to the industry? What kind of difference would that be?
The new generation of designers is surely bringing about a positive change but a lot of new models are now making this industry what it’s infamous for – DIRTY; which is really sad.

Ever been frustrated by the media following a trail wherever you go?
Actually media has never been that intrusive in our country as it is abroad.

The best arousing / thought-provoking lesson ever learnt?
Never stop thinking ahead.

Who do you look up to in times of mishaps?
The One and Only.

Finally, what would you like to say about your experience with Youth Correspondent?
This is my first time but hopefully not the last! :)

Questionnaire designed by Aqsa Kazmi and Zahra Moiz.