Pakistan’s emerging TV sensation, Iqra Aziz, has been winning hearts since she stepped foot in the industry. She shines through her versatile roles. From essaying the role of the wife of a mentally challenged man in “Ranjha Ranjha,” to playing the uber fun, likable main lead in “Suno Chanda,” she has been mastering her characters on screen. Off-screen, she credits her endearing personality to being raised by a single mother, who was Pakistan’s first female Careem driver. Aziz shares her authentic, bare-faced self on her YouTube channel as a mom, daughter, wife, model, and of course, an actress. Her fans adore her style and fashion game so
much that her looks are Google’d frequently. Who better to discuss all things Eid and fashion with Brown Girl Magazine, than her!
[Read More:The Last Minute Guide you Need to Accessorize the Perfect Eid Look]
Rushing to get everything done just in time for Eid is the definition of Chand Raat, which is the night before Eid. Nails, haircut, matching shoes, everything needs to be checked off. How does your Chand Raat go?
A typical Chand Raat is, basically, pure confusion here in Pakistan. Is it Eid tomorrow or not? Is it happening or not? First comes the confusion, then comes the excitement for Eid. You’re messaging everyone, talking about what we’re cooking, wearing — because you have two/three options — because the first day of Eid is the important one. The first look really, really matters. What kind of makeup [will you do]? Winged eyeliner? [Are you] going to do an outfit change or not? So yeah, a lot of excitement for sure. But, the vibe for Chand Raat is always very homely, there’s family and you’re just sipping on a cuppa tea, deciding on the Eid dawaat.
Speaking of deciding on Eid looks, do you like to experiment with yours?
Actually, last Eid I did try something new! It was huge for me. I typically never do a bold lip but I tried it out with my Hussain Rehar outfit. I put it on [and] it lasted a few hours before I decided to wipe it off. But, there’s just so much to experiment with, hair and make-up wise, so I have yet to decide what will be that factor this time. Maybe I’ll try a red lip again?!
How about with colors? Do you feel that a brighter color uplifts your mood on the regular, and for occasions?
You know I was a black and white person, But, recently, I have been wearing a lot of color. Reds, oranges, yellows. One of my Eid outfits, which is my priority outfit, is yellow. Another [is] green with pearls. It does make you feel good.
Seldom do we see celebrities, actresses specifically, going to the local markets to get their Eid outfits stitched! What made you decide that you want to do that this time around?
I just knew that this year I did not want to wear all ready-made outfits. So, my Amma and I went to the tailor [and] got our fabrics. You know how moms are, they know everything, especially the bargaining bit. Fingers crossed as I have to go and pick it up tomorrow! Also, my sister is here from Germany, so I told her: ‘Api, we have to match this year,’ because we never twinned on Eid.
The segment where you do your makeup for work is one of my favorites on your vlogs, apart from you recording yourself without makeup on the daily, which is extremely raw and authentic. It seems like you prefer to keep it simple on a daily basis. Does that hold true for a big occasion, such as Eid?
It’s minimal. It’s always minimal. Because if I am not shooting, I do not like to apply foundation. Even on screen, I am starting to do as little makeup as possible. I just prefer to conceal. Maybe a BB cream so it looks natural. I am not used to applying eyeshadow either. So yeah, conceal, tint, do my eyebrows, and…a winged eyeliner. That’s a BIG one for me. A winged liner is [the cherry on top]. I have been a crazy fan of winged eyeliner since childhood. I used to be the one who used to do everyone’s eyeliner, on Api, on Amma, or any of my friends — especially on days like Eid! Also, the weather is very hot, so minimal is the way to go for me because then you don’t have to retouch your makeup again and again. Again, when I am home, I like to let myself breathe.
One of the many debates on Eid, apart from the date of Eid itself, is the fact that some prefer to put henna on, while some have difficulty tolerating the fragrance of henna. Are you a mehendi girl?
I LOVE mehendi. You know, because of my shooting schedule, it was difficult to go all out with mehendi, but I do love to do the maximum amount. Sometimes, I get those henna tattoos and it looks [utterly] real.
What does a typical Eid morning look like for Iqra Aziz? Is there a lot of chaos or do you like to take your time?
Chaos! But, that’s how I love it. Blasting music while I get ready; my family members all getting ready at the same time. Trying to get my breakfast — sewaiyan — on Meethi Eid while doing everything. That’s what Eid is!
Favorite Meethi Eid memory? And, has the concept of Eid changed for you?
There are so many memories. But if I had to choose one, it’s related to the outfit I was wearing and how I was styled. Since childhood, I always had short hair…but at that time it was the shortest. I sometimes look at that picture from that specific Eid, where I was standing on a dining table and I was wearing a golden sharara. And, I had a red Chinese purse with me. I thought to myself, ‘Who styled me?’ I always had a say in what I was going to wear, so maybe it was me?! Then, I realized how important that outfit [and accessory] were for me at that time. I used to carry it around and showcase it to everyone!
With Kabir [coming into the picture], it became mostly about him. What’s he going to wear, what shoes, getting his outfits. My Eid outfit became my second priority. These moments are the most important.
She concludes the interview with her recollection of the “10 Rupee” Eidi everyone used to receive on Eid when she was younger.
“Now, I still want Eidi, but it’s my time to give it out.”
Having her share all things Eid was our Eidi, unarguably. Wishing everyone a very blessed Eid Ul-Fitr, full of mehendi, picking out dresses, and sipping on tea with close family.
All images in this post are courtesy Iqra Aziz.
