Iffat Umar, a name synonymous with grace and talent, has captivated audiences both on the runway and on the silver screen. Born Iffat Rahim, she rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s, carving her path in the Pakistani entertainment industry with unwavering determination and artistic prowess.
Her journey began in Lahore, where she nurtured her academic roots at the Escena Foundation and Government College Girls, later pursuing a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at Punjab University. Yet, it was the glamorous world of modelling that first beckoned, drawing her in with its vibrant lights and demanding challenges. Soon, she became a familiar face, gracing fashion editorials and captivating audiences with her poise and elegance.
Recently, she has been making waves by boldly challenging ageism and linguistic discrimination in the industry.
Taking to Instagram, she was seen donning a stunning pink saree in a vibrant video montage, accompanied by a defiant caption: “Meri age meri marzi (my age, my choice).”
This rebellious stance directly challenges societal expectations regarding age-appropriate behavior, shedding light on the persistent struggle against ageism that women in the entertainment world face globally.
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Beyond just words, she actively engages in activism. During a candid conversation on comedian Shehzad Ghias Shaikh’s podcast, “The Pakistan Experience,” she opened up about her experiences, unveiling the subtle yet deeply rooted linguistic elitism prevalent in the media. Sharing her journey as an actor, she recounted encounters with “elitist crowds” who condescendingly criticized her Punjabi accent and questioned her Urdu fluency, favoring English as the superior language.
Umar’s refusal to conform to both ageism and linguistic snobbery serves as a powerful inspiration for those facing similar discrimination.
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