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RISING STAR: Doing it her way
Saleena’s entry in the world of fashion can be termed a sudden one. She was doing something else and ended up doing another thing.
“I never thought that I’d be modelling someday. It was just as if I had snapped my fingers, and hey presto, there I was!”
More a favour than a desire, Saleena’s claim to fame started when a photographer friend pleaded that she help her with a shoot. “My friend’s model disappeared on the day of the session leaving her in the lurch. She was clueless as to do what, when suddenly she sprang this offer on me to model for her.” It was at that moment, that Saleena got her first taste of the glitzy world.
Then came the day when Saleena’s eye caught the advertisement in the newspaper for a soap manufacturing company that was holding a ‘Face of the Month’ and ‘Face of the Year’ competition. For this, entries from all over Pakistan were invited. Unwilling at first, it was only on her family’s initiation that Saleena decided to give the contest a shot. “It was my brother really. He convinced me that though it was probable they would throw away the photographs, I should still, try.”
Saleena isn’t too comfortable with the ramp. ‘I am not intimidated by the crowd out there. The only factor that initially made me conscious and hesitant was my height. For ‘Andaz Apna Apna Show’ I was literally dwarfed by the two tall models on each side of me’
Convinced, she did just that, but with fingers crossed of course. Two days later Saleena got the shock of her life when she received a call from the organizers.
Delightfully she exclaims: “They informed me that I had been selected as ‘Face’ of the year.”
This was the launching pad for the good-looking Saleena, who claims to have had her fair share of compliments as far as looks go. Even before entering this field she was aware of her grace and elegance.
“It certainly makes life much easy if you have a pretty face, admits the lady. “You’re given VIP treatment, especially when standing in a queue.”
But there’s more to Saleena than just looks. She wants a degree and is busy completing her B.Sc Honours in Computer Science. “Education tops the priority list, all else follows.”
Not the typical ‘wannabe’ who wants to make it big in the fashion domain, Saleena does not want to be labelled a model whose life revolves around strutting around on the ramp. “I might as well treat it as a hobby but definitely not a career.”
Nevertheless she wants to continue doing it and will do so for as long as her heart desires. “I want to remind people that I am into this act not because of the financial aspect that surrounds it. You can say it’s the glamour and fame that comes with it which makes it so enjoyable. You can see me in a serial called Sarah, these days in which I’m playing the main role.”
Offers are still rolling in from all quarters. Serials, plays, tele-films and commercials — you name it and persistent directors are at her doorstep.
So what has been holding her back?
“Oh for the very simple reason — I am not very interested in acting. There was an irresistible offer for a tele-film for a Dubai based channel which was tempting. Shaan was to play the lead, but the three months required for this venture were something I could not give. So I had to turn down this offer as well,” ruefully she says.
“It’s always been this way! Whenever some interesting offer comes my way, my exams loom ahead threateningly.”
Unlike some of the others who take special pains with their make-up for an interview, Saleena sticks to her everyday lip gloss and mascara. “Even without make-up, I am equally comfortable.” And it’s not that she’s uncomfortable with make-up as she is a certified beautician, herself. At a later stage, she has plans stepping into the beauty industry.
She isn’t too comfortable with the ramp. “I am not intimidated by the crowd out there. The only factor that initially made me conscious and hesitant was my height.” She stands five feet two inches tall.
“For Andaz Apna Apna Show I was literally dwarfed by the two tall models on each side of me. But when make-up artist Saima came to me backstage and said I was the best, that really made my day,” she reminisces. She claims that people have been supportive towards her. “They told me if the other models have the height, I’ve got the looks.”
Of her family she says, “If it wasn’t for the support of my mother I would never have made it this far. My dad and brother were kind of opposed to the idea of walking the ramp, but mom really helped in mellowing down dad. Now they are cool about it. And that is also because I have not given them reason to complain. I am not into exposure. Anything that is decent will do for me. I have my morals and am aware of my limitations.”
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