An offbeat model... Zoya
Hold on to your seats folks, for this time we do not bring a dumb blonde to you, that's not a personal comment, but that's the general impression our people have about models. However, the same doesn't go for Zoya at least. She is as offbeat as a model can be. She does not like to be known as either an actress or a model - both of which fortunately or unfortunately she is - because to date she has not adopted either of the two as her profession. Modeling is something that she says she tried but never had to depend on.

Zoya had not been in Pakistan during her formative years. Till the age of thirteen she lived in Germany. "Obviously I wasn't used to the way things are done here. In Pakistan people have these preconceived notions that a girl who has spent her life abroad is 'fast' just because you talk to guys and hang around with them." Being fully aware of the local environment and even knowing as how people would react to her taking up modeling, she did what her heart told her to do - become a model! The sole reason being her family who were completely supportive of her.

"They were never opposed to it as they knew I was choosy about whatever I did and then I know my parameters. Also, I never made it my profession." Having spent twenty years now in Pakistan yet it does not feel like home to her. "I've been in Pakistan twenty years now and have a handful of friends. People think I'm different. Because I am not willing to conform to the norms of society so I am considered a stranger. I think mostly people around us are hypocrites. Girls with their heads covered would be up to no good while ones like me who go to parties would be stigmatised. I say, live and let live."

And lucky she has been for not in the least being in this profession hampered her marriage. "Let's just say, I have been lucky in that respect." This she can surely say for her hubby is completely at ease with Zoya's fun choices. Zoya is basically a banker-model, meaning when not modeling she is busy with her banking preoccupations. She made her foray in the world of glitz at the age of eighteen. "Naheed Azfar was an acquaintance and she wanted me to model her block-print range on the ramp. I was so completely jittery on my first time. It's so weird to be all made up ready to step out in front of so many people. But for an eighteen-year-old it was an exciting prospect as well." So much so that she got into the rhythm and then one thing led to another and before she knew Zoya was already on her way to stardom.

As far as exposure goes, she says, "Exposure is part of the game. Since people never think nicely of you how can you let their opinion affect you?"

After her initiation in showbiz there were frequent intervals while she was moving on with her education. "I completed my graduation from St Joseph's College. Next, I had to do something, so I opted for banking as I had always been inclined towards economics and maths." She first got started at The American Express in the credit cards section, but not being consistent she soon gets bored and feels like having a change. "Soon I got bored and moved on to ANZ Bank. From ANZ it was Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CIB and her last and most recent appointment was at HSBC. There too she resigned a few months back.

"I am done with banking and don't want anymore of it. I thought I would now spend some time at home." These banking spells were brief ones while simultaneously I was busy doing fashion shows." Zoya has so far worked with the best of the lot namely "Shayanne, Imran Kureshi and Rizwan Baig, but never had an opportunity of doing a show with Sheroo." Sometime around 2001, Zoya finally decided that was as far as modeling went for her. "I had fun doing it but no longer felt the pull for the ramp."

In the midst of her banking and ramp modeling, Zoya had also tried her hand at acting. "I have done a few serials with various directors. Did one with Sajid Hasan, another with Najam, and Rashid Sami's 'Ek Gana Ek Afsana'. The experience has been fine and now I'm planning to get back to it soon." Is it going back to modeling too? "Oh no that's a chapter that I will not look back upon. I now want to do something creative; may be work in some ad agency in the creative department."

Though Zoya has worked with quite a few photographers her all-time favourite remains Arshad Tareen. She feels his photography is superb "and it's so easy to work with him. Besides Arshad, I have done shoots with Tapu, Khawar Riaz, Ather Shahzad." And then, "I would say I have worked with the best because if I have to do something I would do it with a professional." While acting and modeling are at a still her future plans include learning Braille - sign language and then work with special children. That is certainly a noble decision.

Besides being such a vigorous and colourful person, Zoya is also an animal lover and a member of World Wildlife Fund. "I want to earn lots and build a shelter for these homeless animals." She has so far been saviour of quite a few animals - an eagle and a horse for starters.

Having spent quite a long time with Zoya, the interview turned out to be a refreshing change as the model had both - the beauty and the brains. Wish you luck in all your endeavours Zoya!