Instep: You're writing a very reflective column these days, which talks about domestic life more than anything else. Do you think your fans would rather read about the glamorous part of being a fashion model instead?
 Aaminah Haq: I think my fans, if I have any left, have probably grown with me. They're not interested in reading about the stupid things of life. I write for people who are interested in knowing more. My writing has become more mainstream than brunches, get togethers, parties, etc. Now it's more about my cat, gym, therapy; those are the undercurrents in my column. What I try and write about are things that I feel about, without sounding like a rebel without a pause. I used to write Girl Friday several years ago and even at that time, everything I wrote came from within. That's who I was then and this is who I am now. Now at 35 I'm trying to find a happy medium and not conform to a package that I'm expected to sound and look like. I write about things I am passionate about.
Instep: A lot of people draw comparisons between you and Aamina Sheikh. Do you agree?
AH: I think Aamina Sheikh is a stunning looking model. She's incredibly talented and I think it's unfair to compare her to anyone. In fact I am honoured to be compared to her. I'm flattered. I feel she'll go far in her career.
Instep: What did Aaminah Haq - as a model - have that no other model can ever have?
AH: Yeah, my height. My height and hips, my Punjabi hips. I think those two things are my secret weapons!
Instep: You've been a model, a columnist, a TV anchor and an actor. Do you plan continuing with TV in either plays or talk shows?
AH: Let me clarify that I didn't discontinue my show. It just ended. However, when it comes to doing shows, I'm all up for it. I have always enjoyed TV. I'm a little picky about dramas and taking on the role of a wilting woman. I don't want to do that. I'd like to be able to pick and chose the roles I do and I think that at this point in my life I can be a little choosy. But as far as anchoring and hosting goes, I love it and am all up for it. My marriage does not mean I've taken a vow to never be seen again. I'm not anatomically built for that.
Instep: And how is married life?
AH: I really don't want to talk about that. Ammar and I have had a very public relationship for years and in the first half we used that relationship to build his brand. I did that knowingly but people took it the wrong way. Now, I don't want to propel myself into the media based on my marriage. I know it sounds hypocritical but it's something I feel strongly about. But really, being married to him doesn't feel any different from what it was before. We've been together for years and we know each other inside out. We haven't suddenly turned into different people or monsters for each other. Nothing has changed.
Instep: You guys have shot some pretty racy campaigns together. Can we expect more interesting Ammar Belal campaigns now that you guys are married?
AH: I think to be really honest we've done some great work together but on a serious note I don't want our relationship to be out there for the public to dissect. I'd like to protect my privacy and I'm very guarded about it because it's special.
Instep: So what's in the pipeline now?
AH: Well, it's Barack's birthday tomorrow.
Instep: Was Barack (her cat) friends with Fudge Qayoom (fashion model Zainab Qayoom's cat who passed away recently)?
AH: Barack is an A-list cat and doesn't like to mingle but I'm thinking of taking him to Karachi and arranging a play date with Sadaf Malaterre's cat.
Instep: Does Barack have his own Loius Vuitoon carrier?
AH: He's not into that stuff at all. Barack is aristocratic and has gone to Cosa Nostra and The Boulevard, in fact everywhere with me, but not in a bag.
– Aaminah Haq was talking to Aamna Haider Isani |
