A quick over view of our 'very own' glamour industry!

When the surroundings and the prevailing conditions in your country seem to drown everyone else with it, you, while trying to float, would want to think of things, no matter how few they are, that may be still working well around you.

While surfing through the channels on TV, I came across a talk show being hosted by Iffat Umar where the guest was Naadia Jameel, probably my only favorite actor in Pakistan. The host threw an accusing question at her guest that since Lux is like a big deal in Pakistan, and the models and actors who are offered to act in a Lux TV ad, are considered to be one of the most gorgeous faces in the country. Naadia Jameel was offered to act in this too but she refused, giving a reason that is being used a lot recently, like they have a choice! Anyway, Naadia turned the ad down by saying she hardly does advertisements because she wants to be known as an actor and that is it.

She is a great actor, without doubt, but since Lux ads are probably the only ads that are worked well on and given a lot of attention even by the viewers, seemed stupid that anyone would want to refuse to act in it.

Later, she confessed the actual reasons why she didn’t want to be labeled as the Lux model. Her experience in hosting The Lux Style Awards a year ago didn’t turn out to be that great. The kind of treatment and conversations she overheard and witnessed backstage amongst models, designers and fashion artists disappointed her to an extend that now she takes pride in her decision for never being a part of the ‘glamour industry’ of Pakistan. They were cursing at each other, yelling and swearing and what not!

But this is what is already quite commonly generalized by the public about the glamour industry in Pakistan. I mean if you look at them and the kind of dresses they wear on the ramp, you can never tell that they’re from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. I am definitely not trying to put the religion bit in the picture, but how can one avoid doing that?

Obviously, and fairly enough, every flower has its pricks and thorns. And as well as the glamour industry has been flourishing for the last two decades, rarely has any field seen this kind of booming success in this country. I appreciate it a lot and I want to thank God for giving us something to be proud of but at the same time I can’t seem to disagree with Naadia Jameel’s point of view either.

All of these models have been heard saying “we’re glad to represent Pakistan at an international level where it is being really appreciated”, representing ‘double standards’ of your country, should’ve been added to this diplomatic statement.