Renowned model and entrepreneur Nadia Hussain recently shared her intriguing life story on Frieha Altaf’s FWhy Podcast, providing a glimpse into her early years and experiences in the modeling industry. Born in London due to her father’s connection with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Nadia explained how a change in passport laws granted her a UK passport, a stroke of luck she attributed to her brother’s birth.
Having spent her early years at Sea View, Nadia recounted her fearless approach to life, emphasizing her non-conventional upbringing marked by freedom. She also highlighted her familial connection to renowned singer Tina Sani. Nadia delved into her educational journey, opting for dental school to avoid the prolonged process of pursuing an MBBS degree. She sought advice from Dr. Arif Alvi, her family dentist, who later became the President of Pakistan.
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The conversation shifted to Nadia’s entry into modeling, sparked by a spontaneous campaign during an internship at an advertising agency. She shared how a chance encounter at a salon led to her first show and subsequent contact with Frieha. Nadia reflected on her tall and lanky physique, earning her the nickname “khamba,” a source of pride for her.
Nadia opened up about her relationships, from her first crush on Tom Cruise to her engagement and marriage to Atif Khan. She detailed how Atif became a pillar of support during her father’s illness, introducing her to the complexities of hospitals. The couple’s financial venture, initially met with upset, led to a deeper connection and eventual engagement.
The conversation took a serious turn as Nadia recounted a disturbing incident of being followed at Sea View, highlighting the safety challenges women face. Despite seeking help from a policeman, the situation escalated when the officer seemingly sided with the stalker. Nadia confronted the man and sought assistance from her security guard to address the harassment.
Nadia also shared another distressing incident post-marriage, emphasizing the importance of standing up against harassment. She recounted an encounter with a man persistently staring at her in traffic, eventually taking matters into her own hands by confronting and deterring him.
Discussing the current state of the fashion industry, Nadia expressed her views on the impact of social media, noting the shift from print to online platforms. She questioned the criteria for models in today’s era of widespread accessibility through social media, emphasizing the disappearance of the traditional supermodel concept.
In conclusion, Nadia provided a comprehensive overview of her life, from her early years and entry into modeling to her personal and professional challenges, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of the fashion industry.
