Prominent models like Mushk Kaleem, Javeriya Hanif have called out Robina Khan for the assault by her husband on Nabila Salon makeup artist Bryan William, after he refused to carry her personal belongings while she was busy with the shoot. The makeup artist released a statement on his official Instagram account, saying he had been dragged from the second floor to the ground floor by four to five armed gunmen, and was beaten by the model’s husband without even having a conversation about what had happened.
Nabila Salon also condemned the incident on their official account, stating that they would only work with professionals who value the safety and importance of their makeup artists.
Now, other actresses have also stepped forward to condemn the attack and defend Bryan William for simply doing his job. Actress Mansha Pasha took to Instagram to share that she had worked with the makeup artist on many occasions, and was shocked by the display of “blatant gundaghardi”.
“It horrifies me to think that someone would think themselves so superior that they would resort to violence. No matter what the disagreement: that is just blatant ghundaghardi and there is no place for it in our work.”
The ‘Idiot’ actress then went on to share the statement Robina Khan gave in defence of her attack, and slammed her excuse:
“You just proved him right by your actions. Mother wife whatever is not excuse for any of this.”
Actress Saboor Aly also came to the defence of Bryan William by resharing his statement on her social media account, sharing her grief over the brutal violence inflicted on the makeup artist:
“There’s no justification for physical or verbal abuse. I’m so sorry you went through this. Just know you’re Amazing, my favorite and I love you so much.”
Actress Komal Shah shared a picture of Robina’s husband, Mujtaba Shah, who had beaten the makeup artist. “Another day in Pakistan where ‘rich men’ with daddy’s money think they can do whatever the hell they want,” she wrote.
On Sunday night, several prominent models like Mushk Kaleem, Ifrah Humayun, Javeriya Haif came forward to condemn the brutality inflicted upon a makeup artist working with Nabila Salon, Bryan William. Model Mushk Kaleem was the first person to break the news, and said that model Robina Khan had her husband assault Bryan on set, because he had refused to carry her personal belongings during the shoot, describing it as something that “appalled” her.
“Imagine, you’re shooting in peace, and someone’s husband and his goons bring weapons with them, and start physically assaulting someone while you’re shooting. Appalled. Baffled. Disgusted. I hope this model’s name comes out. I hope no designer,/ model/ photographer ever works with her. Also hoping the Nabila team takes corrective measures and protects its employees.”
Several other models soon came forward to express their solidarity with the makeup artist, and demanded that Robina Khan is banned from working with prominent designers or photographers.
‘I know the MUA myself!” wrote Ifrah Humayun. “This act is not acceptable at any cost! This woman needs to be banned and be told that she cannot fuck around with people if she has a coward man and armed people around her.”
Nabila Salon released a short statement on their Instagram page, where they wrote the brand would work with professionals who value the dignity and safety of their employees.
Other makeup artists have also come forward to express their solidarity with Bryan, as the instagram user makeupwithshainal wrote:
“We makeup artists are not your servants. If we kindly refuse to hold your personal belongings may it be a piece of jewellery or anything please accept our request because if that item is mis placed, we get the first accusation saying that we stole it etc as we are the first people to see and deal with models…We are not your servants so please deal with us in a respectful manner.”
Robina Khan, the model who had led the assault on the makeup artist, has released a statement, alleging that the assault was justified because the makeup artist in question called her a “do takay ki model.”
‘The argument started when I requested a makeup artist to carry my phone when I was ready for my shot on shot today. He blatantly said that he was not going to do that and that ‘do takay’ ki model like me should take care of her own stuff and also swore at me, that made me so upset so I in turn swore at him.”
“I am sure no respectable husband would tolerate anyone abusing at his wife for no reason and when he arrived to pick me, he asked who misbehaved with me and this makeup artist in question very rudely said it was him and what was his problem. My husband got flared up because of this makeup artist’s condescending behavior and slapped him as he said no one has the right to misbehave with his wife this way.”
A string of claims began when model Manal Saleem took to her Instagram stories to state that clients should avoid making her shoot with any actress or celebrity due to their “self entitled attitudes.”
While Manal refrained from naming the actress in question who reportedly called her a “dou takkay ki model,” she did state that people guessing who the actress was were not too far from hitting the nail on the head.
The situation unraveled further when make-up artist Omayr Waqar weighed in on the matter as well, stating that “It’s just one person – not all actresses are the same.”
This controversy sparked a debate between the general public, who not only took turns trying to guess the individual being discussed, but also shared how they felt that entitlement and an overtly inflamed sense of pride are traits that are both unnecessary and unbecoming of any person – especially when it is a person in a position of relative power.
Within a span of barely two days, however, accusations grew from being merely speculative in nature, to others within the industry sharing their experiences.
Models Mydah Raza and Mushk Kaleem took to their Instagram stories to discuss how “this actress is notorious for being unpleasant on set,” like an alleged bully, and how the encounter spoke more to the actress’ own insecurities.
Stylist Anila Murtaza shared an Instagram story with a thought bubble with the name ‘Sana’ in it, and makeup artist Ikram Gohar stated that he knew it was none other than Sana Javed being discussed, calling her a “horrible and unprofessional actress.” Make-up artist Rhyan Thomas applauded those speaking up, sharing that he had the worst experience working with the star, stating that “people like them think no end to themselves.”
Shortly after, make-up artist Ikram Gohar went into great detail to further explain his stance, talking about how Sana Javed is “horrible and unprofessional,” and he will never work with her again.
Moreover, Ikram talked about Sana allegedly calling him to a place in DHA for her nikkah makeup trial, during which she mistreated him over an eyeshadow look, and refused to let him use the washroom at the place they were in, urging him to utilize a rest room at a restaurant in front of the space in which the trial was ongoing.
He stressed upon the fact that the industry consists of many names that maintain professional decorum, regardless of their star power.
In addition to this, Rhyan Thomas shared an incident where he was called in by models Sana Javed and Sadaf Kanwal for the PISA awards in Dubai, where Sana allegedly displayed behavior that was both unprofessional and petty.
Given that two models had to be catered to, timings were set accordingly by Rhyan. However, as per Rhyan’s recollection, upon his arrival, Sana claimed to be suffering from a migraine and went to take a hot bath that lasted an hour. After this, she allegedly wanted to have hookah, for which she took Rhyan to the lobby to spend time with other celebrities. This ordeal took another two hours, during which Rhyan claims that he was in touch with Sadaf as well.
Upon heading back to her hotel room, Sana allegedly “threw a fit,” due to her being late for the red carpet. With Sadaf’s calls alerting Rhyan, Sana apparently confiscated Rhyan’s phone, and “put the hotel’s landline on hold” to ensure there was no contact from anyone.
Here, Rhyan states that he was “held hostage,” and Sana reportedly spent the rest of the time demeaning his skills, also placing blame for the process to have taken 8 hours upon the make-up artist. In all of this, Sadaf thought that Rhyan had bailed on her, and did her hair and make-up herself, which the make-up artist claims is what Sana wanted due to “insecurity.”
Durefishan Saleem shared Rhyan Thomas’ post, stating that “harassment is a big NO,” regardless of the gender of the instigator.
With more and more encounters coming forth with regards to this, various figures from the industry are speaking up. Model Fareeha Sheikh recently took to Instagram to compile a post about alleged misbehavior by Sana Javed.
According to Fareeha’s post, the unfortunate incident took place a few months ago at Mian Saad’s studio where multiple shoots can take place. Fareeha arrived first and got her make-up done on the day when Sana Javed had to shoot for a designer at a separate set.
According to Fareeha, Sana arrived three hours late, and upon seeing Fareeha in the room, “stormed out” and “threw a tantrum,” stating that she’s leaving due to another girl being present in the room. Sana reportedly stated that she would not come back till Fareeha was “kicked out,” upon which the designer Sana was shooting with “barged in and started screaming” at Fareeha, leaving her shell-shocked. This prompted the make-up artist and Saad to ask the designer to leave the space.
Fareeha makes it a point to end her account by stating that she hopes “Sana Javed learns that shit comes back to you one way or the other.”
Mahnoor Sheikh also weighed in on this, stating that Sana is “arrogant, disrespectful, [and] rude.” She, too, shared an incident where Sana allegedly did not want to sit in the same make-up room as her and two other models while shooting a TVC.
Prominent female celebrities have shared their stance on the on-going controversy and schooled the Pyaray Afzal diva for her conduct.
After walking the ramp at the Hum Bridal Couture Week 2021, Imran Ashraf has lauded and appreciated models for making all fashion shows successful with their hard work and dedication. Ashraf walked the ramp for Uzma Babar wearing a greenish-gold sherwani with Yumna Zaidi.
In an Instagram post, the Ranjha Ranjha Kardi actor wrote: “This applause is solely for the models of the fashion week. You deserve all the credit for making the show successful.”
“The celebrities are just mere guests at such events. It’s the models who are the real kings and queens, who deserve all the appreciation,” he added.
Soon after Imran’s posts, models thanked the actor for appreciating and acknowledging their efforts.
“This means so much,” said Maha Tahirani. “Absolutely glad to hear it and pleased to have people like you to look up to!”
“You’re the sweetest Imran,” said Farwa Kazmi. “Indeed very humble. Thank you for acknowledging our hard work and respecting our platform. It was so great meeting you, you’re a wonderful person.”
Similarly, another model Raahima Ali, commenting on Ashraf’s post, wrote: “Always had mad respect for you as a person and as an actor, but today that respect has skyrocketed. You are what they call a star sir. Thank you for acknowledging our work that’s barely ever shed any light on.”
Supermodels Mushk Kaleem and Amna Baber also thanked Imran for his kind words.
“Thank you for speaking up for the backbone of our fashion shows,” said Mushk. “Our models deserve so much applause and thank you for bringing that to everyone’s notice.”
Imran started his career as an actor in 2011 with supporting roles. His strong and heartfelt performances won the audience’s hearts making him an established actor in the field.
Sheheryar Munawar, Adnan Siddiqui, and Ahsan Khan among other celebrities have slammed the owners of Cannoli Café Soul in Islamabad, Uzma, and Diya, for mocking and ridiculing their restaurant manager for his Englishspeaking skills.
Sharing his thoughts on the incident, Adnan Siddiqui in a long note posted to Instagram said that he “wish[es] someone had taught them basic courtesy”.
“The joke’s on them because they just exposed their class, rather lack of it,” said the actor. “Do yourself a favour and find a cure for your colonial hangover.”
Similarly, Munawar condemned the behaviour of the owners, writing: “Seems like an exaggerated scene out of a 90’s movie, where the mean rich kids pick on the protagonist, making fun of his humble background.”
“Shame,” he added.
Expressing his outrage, Ahsan Khan said: “I find it very distasteful that even in today’s world we demean people who work for us just because they can’t speak English.”
“Such pretentious snobs,” added the actor.
Ahmed Ali Butt, Sarah Khan and Mushk Kaleem also expressed their distaste over the incident and criticised the disgraceful remarks by the two women.
Mushk also reminded her followers of the time when Iman Aly had passed a “condescending statement about the current models of our industry.”
Meanwhile, the owners later issued an apology, saying that they “are saddened and appalled by the reaction of the people, how they have misconstrued our banter with a team member”.
Social media users, however, are not buying their “fake apology” and have criticised them further for being tone deaf and arrogant.
To mark World Mental Health Day over the weekend, model Mushk Kaleem opened up about the time when she was underweight and struggling to be okay with her looks and appearance.
Sharing pictures of her journey on Instagram, Mushk wrote: “2019, was probably the most rewarding year of my career, but when I look back and think about all that I went through last year, I realise that my mental health had completely taken a back seat.”
“I was a model, adapting to fame, success and accolades. Of course, everyone thought I was okay, living the dream. I knew then, that to complain about anything would be unthankful,” she continued.
“I was hospitalised on my 25th birthday last year. I was almost 48 kilos and I was suffering from severe body dysmorphia. I would spend hours obsessing over my weight, about losing those few inches on my waist, about getting those perfect hips, or about just looking the part. I had started starving myself, not eating for 24 hours and more, I was abusing drugs, I was unhealthy. I was a 6ft girl suffering from severe anorexia. I would occasionally blackout.”
Mushk then said that her story has a happy ending.
“Now a year later, I’m a happier person. I’ve been clean for more than a year. I have found support and happiness in my family, friends, and my pets. I have set boundaries that I never let people cross. I decided that I could still be beautiful, no matter what number the weighing scale would say. I took therapy. I put myself first. I tackled my issues head-on, and at first, it was scary and it aggravated my anxiety, but I’ve grown, and I’ve healed. It’s still an ongoing process of recovery that I’m on. But I’m glad I started somewhere,” she added.
Several of Mushk’s colleagues and members of the entertainment industry, including Sheheryar Munawar and Anoushey Ashraf, appreciated her for opening up and sharing her journey.
Winner of the Lux Style Award for Best Emerging Talent in Fashion, Mushk is a regular at all fashion shows across Pakistan, opening and stopping the show for many renowned designers, along with being the face of many designer brands. Late last year, she also walked the ramp at the Milan Fashion Week for Italian designer Stella Jean.
Lawn campaigns are a big deal in Pakistan and all designers go above and beyond to come up with eye-catching ones. However, some times, the campaigns come under fire for being controversial. This year, Élan was on the receiving end of backlash and criticism for being racist because it featured an African model, which people thought was being used as a prop.
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Following social media outrage, Élan’s creative head and CEO Khadijah Shah took to social media to explain the campaign and the concept behind it.
“It’s heartening to see that we stand against racism and cultural misappropriation, but at the same time we must know what these terms mean,” wrote the designer on social media. Shah then proceeded to define the terms ‘cultural appropriation’ and ‘racism’ and explained how they do not apply to Élan’s campaign.
She also explained why donkeys were part of some of the pictures.
“As for those finding the image with the donkeys offensive; donkeys are beloved in Lamu,” wrote Khadijah. “They are taken care of and the only mode of transportation. In our country not only do we treat donkeys badly we also use it as a term to insult others.”
The designer also shared that the brand has featured both male and female models in their previous campaigns and there has never been any such criticism.
Meanwhile, model Mushk Kaleem, who featured in the campaign, said that beauty, equality, love and acceptance have no skin tones.
“This Élan’s campaign is so close to my heart and with its launch, it is extremely sad to see all the negativity that is pouring in,” wrote Mushk.
“Posing alongside me, in this stunning campaign is my beautiful friend, who I had an excellent time working with, and who I also learnt a lot from – Gabriel Fords.”
“Unfortunately, many people are speaking about how the male model is being used as a prop or an accessory. Why is that so?” she questioned.
Kaleem added, “This campaign is a celebration and a declaration of love, of equality, of acceptance, of tolerance – of cultures and heritages without any borders and boundaries.”
“Gabriel Fords, who is as much a vital part of this campaign as I am, is not a prop or an accessory. This entire shoot screams inclusivity. It is about bridging cultures, about educating people about the normalcy of an interracial love.”
“I’m very proud to be part of this campaign,” concluded the model.
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Earlier in 2018, Sana Safinaz had come under fire for its racist representation of the Masai Mara people. They later issued a clarification and said that their campaign aimed to celebrate the beautiful Masai culture.
Iman Aly’s unfiltered responses on Iffat Omar’s show continue to spark outrage.
Model Mushk Kaleem, who late last year also walked the ramp at the Milan Fashion Week for Italian designer Stella Jean, recently called out Iman for her “condescending statement about the current models of our industry.”
“According to her, the models who are working in our industry right now don’t have ‘adequate general knowledge’,” wrote the model.
“I’m appalled that someone I’ve grown up admiring and revering would make such a statement,” she added.
Iman’s casual remarks on the show had earlier also stirred controversy. The model turned actor had first claimed that Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees had first been offered to her. She further said: “90% of the movies made in Pakistan today are still offered to me first. But I only take the scripts I fall in love with. If I don’t like the lines, it feels like work, like slavery.”
In another segment, Iman had remarked Humayun Saeed would be a “doodh dahi bechnay wala” (dairy product salesman) if he was not an actor. She also labelled Fawad Khan as a “failed standup comedian” and Mehwish Hayat a “cosmetologist’s assistant.” She also said that Mahira should have stayed a VJ.
For those who don’t know Kaleem is a business graduate from the Institute of Business Academy. She worked at a corporate firm before joining the fashion industry as a model. Over the year, she has become a regular at all fashion shows across Pakistan, opening and stopping the show for many renowned designers. Kaleem has also modelled for Élan’s latest lawn collection.
Meanwhile, Iman is gearing up for the release of Tich Button in which she will be sharing the screen with Feroze Khan, Farhan Saeed and Sonya Hussayn. The film was expected to hit screens on Eid-ul-Fitr but the coronavirus outbreak appears to have halted the release.
