UNFATHOMABLE.

UNFATHOMABLE.
DIVA Magazine.
Issue No. 40, August/September2005


The ‘Cindy Crawford of Lahore’…..this is what instantly comes to my mind when I think of super model Iffat Rahim. This rather unique title has been, gallantly bestowed upon her by the local media. Iffat understandably feels quite flattered by the comparison made between her and one of the top most successful and popular supermodels of the world. The comparison in our minds might be a rather far fetched one, in terms of the difference in scale in popularity and success between the two; however, I believe it is a fair one in terms of the confidence, caliber and professionalism inherent in both the ladies.

Iffat impressively holds a Masters in Graphic Designing and was born in Lahore on 12th February, which makes her an Aquarian. She believes that fate played its skillful hand in wooing her towards becoming a model. Her parent’s complete support made it a much easier and smoother path to success and stardom. Iffat has noticed a huge difference in nature, between the modeling world when she started out and was at her peak, and the modeling field now. Her opinion was clearly put across when she said to me, “honestly it has now deteriorated, as the element of nudity really bothers me”.

Iffat does however have some favorites among the local fashion designers with Umar Saeed at the top of her list. Iffat whole heartedly feels that “he is the best”. Internationally she likes D&G, Gucci, Hermes and LV as she is totally into bags and shoes. Having worked with many photographers in her time, Iffat insists that Ather Shahzad are the most professional in Pakistan and when I probed her further as to why she feels that way, she very matter-of-factly announced “You know why! They are the best in their field”. Iffat recalled that out of all the fashion shows she has witnessed in Pakistan, Neelofer Shahid’s first show was the most amazing one. She told me that “in those times it was an absolutely new concept to have fashion shows, and Neelofer being the classy lady that she is, really brought a bout of fresh air into the fashion scene”. Iffat personally hated doing live shows and preferred photo shoots to the catwalk. She has immense personal style from what she wears and how she wears it to her entire outward demeanor. Iffat’s fashion statement in her own words is “it’s not what you wear; it’s how you carry it”. She perceives and hopes her own image to be quite dignified in the media circle.

Iffat has made vital contributions to the entertainment industry and when she looks back she is most proud of her first production called ‘Iffat’s Fashion Magazine’. She explains that “I think my life is an example of how to maintain dignity in the field of fashion/modeling and bring with it respectability which has been a source of encouragement to lots of new people entering the arena”. This is what Iffat believes to be her biggest contribution to this field. She shrewdly advises girls that want to enter into modeling as a career, to “never compromise on values”.

Iffat met her husband through a mutual friend and theirs was a 100% love marriage. She proudly told me that the craziest thing she has ever done is “falling in love with the craziest man I have ever known”. When I hinted at her marriage maybe having something to do with the halt in her modeling career she quickly corrected me and said “no it was long before that”.

Besides modeling, this multi talented woman has acted, directed, compeered, produced and done set designing. She feels that the most fulfilling out of all the things she has tried her hand at, is acting. At present Iffat categorizes herself as a director and producer and her future plans include directing and producing a serial. She strongly believes that everything happens as a result of one’s destiny and one of the influences that mould her personality and creativity is the “continuous drive to do better”. Her inspirations include first and foremost her husband and then, “every successful woman out there”. She also very confidently and boldly claims to have no regrets in life so far.

While performing the difficult task of self analyzing herself, Iffat told me that she perceives having a strong character and honesty to be two of the major qualities in her personality. In criticism of herself she complained that the weakness in her character is her temper. However when she looks in the mirror she sees “a satisfied mother, a successful professional, a loving wife and an obedient daughter”. About her role as a mother she modestly says, “I am an ok mother because nothing is good enough for my little princess…I want to raise her so intelligently that she can ascertain right from wrong”. When I cautiously probed Iffat about whether she would support her daughter (Noor-e-Jehan) in the future, if she were to want to become a model, I was very pleased by her sensitive and loving answer “I would stay neutral. She will be making her own decisions in life. She is the apple of my eye….my strength….and my greatest weakness”. This showed me that Iffat is not only a competent professional but also an understanding, committed and reliable mother. She agrees that she has gained tremendous personal growth through life, “especially after becoming a mommy”.

You won’t see Iffat Rahim attending or mingling at ever party or get together that takes place courtesy of the big names in media. Socializing is of some significance to her, but only with her friends, those that are very important to her. As the topic of noble causes was touched upon, Iffat confides to me that she has not been able to do anything charitable on a big level, but on a personal level she tries to do her best. When I asked her about what the nature of her relationship with God is, she very persuasively answered “very good…..can’t you see that?”

Iffat is a petite woman who has always stayed slim, yet healthy. Surprisingly she does nothing to maintain her slender figure---“I don’t exercise regularly but because of my metabolism I stay thin. My diet principally comprises of vegetables but there is no specific diet I follow”. Yes, some people are just born lucky! She considers her best feature to be her face.

In an attempt to know Iffat better, for who she is from the inside, I asked her about some of her favorite things and boy does this lady have taste!
Her favorite:

Color: White
Cuisine: Thai
City: London
Car: VW Beetle
Music: All Kinds
Pet: Gypsy (my bitch)
Sport: Polo
Perfume: Gucci Rush
Book: One Hundred Years Of Solitude by Garcia.

Recently, Iffat has starred in Strings’ latest video, for their song ‘Kahani Mohabbat Kee’. Her performance was well done and well choreographed. I feel that she expressed, with great conviction, the pain inherent in her character’s life. The video has become a hit and was directed by well known and accomplished director Umar Anwar. I asked Iffat what made her want to do the video and how she got the part. This is what she had to say: “I did it because Strings are my favorite local band. I was offered the part and I was told that they had me in mind for the part so I decided to do it pro bono. Yes, I enjoyed it, although later I missed the New Year party back home and got hell from my hubby”.

It was my pleasure to interview a dynamic woman who had the courage to enter a field that was at one time looked down upon in Pakistan, and who made her place and mark as one of the top models of this country. She helped transform the image of modeling into that of a dignified career for girls to follow. She paved the way for them. Iffat’s way of thinking comes across to me as a very balanced blend of ‘daring’ and ‘conservative’ at the same time. She continues to strive to do more and I wish her the best of luck. I will end my article on Iffat Rahim with her favorite quote “what will be, will be”.

By: Fariha Rashed.