Featured

Pakistani first super model

By Roland Borges

Rakhshanda Khattak is the Pakistani first super model .No fashion model of the 1970s got paid in the thousands, except for the larger-than-life Rakhshanda Khattak, who had to travel a rough road to make a name for herself in the still fledgling Pakistani fashion industry.

Once, her husband Husain Javeri, a jeweler who hardly ever skipped work, decided to accompany her to a modeling gig. After watching his wife having to bend, stretch and contort her body for the perfect pose, and that too for the pittance she was being paid, he approached the advertisement director and demanded his wife be paid ten times the amount to make it worth her time. That was the amount of money someone would have to pay him to be away from his wife, he said. The director was shocked but since he could not afford to lose her, he agreed. Following this incident, Rakhshanda went on to become the highest-paid and yet the most sought after young model of her time.

The Burmese-Pathan woman had her photos splashed across fashion layouts in various English and Urdu magazines. She did commercials ranging from products such as paints and toothpaste. She boasted a height many envied, and could drape her curvaceous figure — a far cry from the anorexic waif look of the New York and Paris fashion world that has caught up with Pakistani models — in a classical sari or sashay about in casual bell bottoms, and still look desirable. When she entered a room, heads turned as men stealthily gazed at her while women inspected her style.

Besides being gifted by exotic looks, she was a woman of many talents. Rakhshanda was fluent in five languages. She was the first Pakistani woman to earn a black belt in karate and the second black belt in Jiu-jitsu. This helped her execute her own stunts in an action-packed feature film named Jane Bond 008 in 1971. While her stunts awed audiences, something else captured the attention of the women: The black-and-white Pakistan-Iran collaboration (that included an Iranian producer and male lead actor) featured the young actress wearing a low-waist sari. And such was the impact of her fashion statement that it became a rage with young women to drape saris closer to their hips.

Rakhshanda forayed into the show business when a family friend offered to cast her in a marketing campaign for his products. She did a few projects with him, and when she got noticed by other agencies she exploded into the limelight. She was not represented by a management company or fashion house because such entities did not exist at the time. Advertising agencies were shady and models had to monitor their photo shoots on their own to make sure they were not being used without permission and due payment. Since there were no modeling agencies or styling salons, most models did their own hair, makeup and wardrobe. The typical fees for a modeling photo shoot was somewhere around Rs300, and that too was often delayed or worse, pocketed by the agencies.

That was until her husband, the man who managed to steal her heart from her elite group of admirers, got her more. They were married in 1970. Husain owned a famous jewelry store on Victoria Road, which later became Abdullah Haroon Road, and he designed some of the jewellery that Rakhshanda wore at the posh social gatherings. He would sometimes sell the jewellery by the end of the party, and this never pleased Rakhshanda. He would pacify by her saying, “Don’t worry I’ll make you something much better!” Which he would, but then when these fine pieces of jewelry were displayed on Rakhshanda and the opportunity came to sell, he probably did so.

Rakhshanda and Husain, along with their son Chengis, migrated to Alberta, Canada, at the end of 1979 to be closer to one of Husain’s brothers. Later in 1983, the Javeri family became naturalized Canadian citizens.

The fame and spotlight that Rakhshanda left behind in order to begin life in her new homeland left a vacuum that she filled by turning to designing her own clothes and cooking. She attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and got her red seal in cooking and baking. Usually people specialise in being a chef or a baker, but she mastered both and topped both her classes. Her love for clothes got her working in designer stores. She would go on to become a manager at every store she worked.

Rakhshanda’s love for Pakistan never died and, according to her son Chengis, she came back to Pakistan 22 times in the 30 years since she migrated. She missed the sense of community that came with friends and family. She also missed the Karachi night life, which pretty much waned over the years as political change of the 1980s spread conservatism in society.

Rakhshanda died in her Alberta condo in December 2011. She is survived by her son, who is an artist and actor in Alberta, and her five sisters, four of whom live in Pakistan while the other lives in Texas. Rakhshanda ruled the hearts of millions during her prime, and her departure from the industry left her fans wistful for more. Now that she has taken a final bow from this world, fans like me celebrate the legacy she has left behind. Rakhshanda Khattak, no doubt, was Pakistan’s first super model.

Related Topics:Pakistani Super Model Rakhshanda Khattak

Up Next

Aisam-ul-Haq Gets Divorced

Don't Miss

Silk by Fawad Khan

Staff

Click to comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Featured

Pakistan’s Entertainment Elite: Top 5 Richest Actors of 2025

The Top 5 richest actors of Pakistan have not only dominated the entertainment world but also crafted exceptional financial empires. With a mix of blockbuster dramas, international projects, and flourishing business ventures, these stars have redefined what it means to be a celebrity in Pakistan. Their success goes beyond screens — from owning production houses to launching fashion brands, these actors have smartly invested their earnings, gaining both fame and fortune.

Top 5 Richest Actors of Pakistan: Icons Who Turned Stardom into Fortune

1. Humayun Saeed
A trailblazer in the television and film industry, Humayun Saeed continues to be a force to reckon with. He is not only a top-billed actor but also the CEO of Six Sigma Plus Productions, one of Pakistan’s largest production houses. With decades of hits under his belt and multiple mega-budget projects in the pipeline, his estimated net worth is around $50 million. His business acumen, combined with his talent, makes him Pakistan’s wealthiest entertainment figure.

2. Shaan Shahid
Often referred to as the king of Lollywood, Shaan Shahid’s dominance spans generations. Known for his unwavering stance on never compromising his fee, Shaan has appeared in countless blockbuster films. Coming from a cinematic lineage, he commands respect and a hefty paycheck. His estimated net worth is $20 million, with most of his earnings rooted in acting, directing, and brand partnerships.

3. Maya Ali
Maya Ali has evolved into one of the most bankable names in showbiz. In addition to her acting career, she owns the successful fashion brand Maya Pret. Her strategic endorsements and selective drama roles have earned her both popularity and wealth. Today, her net worth is estimated at $15 million, making her one of the top female earners in Pakistan’s entertainment world.

4. Mahira Khan
Known as Pakistan’s leading superstar, Mahira Khan is a powerhouse of talent and influence. She heads her own production house and has launched the fashion label M by Mahira; she’s also the creative mind behind the digital platform Mashion. With earnings from acting, brand endorsements, and business ventures, her wealth is estimated between $5–8 million.

5. Fawad Khan
An international icon, Fawad Khan enjoys fame on both sides of the border. After making waves in Bollywood, he continues to work on global projects. His collaboration with luxury brands and international studios keeps his profile and net worth soaring. Currently valued at $5 million, Fawad’s brand appeal and screen presence remain unmatched.

Success Beyond the Spotlight

While acting brought them into the limelight, these celebrities have ensured their financial growth through smart decisions and diversified ventures. The Top 5 richest actors of Pakistan prove that the modern celebrity is more than just talent — they’re also shrewd entrepreneurs shaping the future of entertainment and business in the country.

Featured

The Untold Story of Saba Qamar and Aamina Sheikh’s Iconic Friendship

On Monday, Saba Qamar and Aamina Sheikh showcased their wedding glam in an Instagram Story, posing together at one of Kubra Khan and Gohar Rasheed’s wedding events. “Roll out the carpet, we are coming,” Saba wrote, addressing the newlyweds.

Saba dazzled in a peach sari, while Aamina stunned in a gleaming white ensemble. Both actors styled their hair elegantly—Saba in a sleek bun and Aamina in a traditional braid.

Beyond their impeccable fashion, Saba and Aamina stood out for their enduring friendship. Time and again, these on-screen sisters have embodied true best-friend goals.

A Bond That Began in Maat

Fans first saw their on-screen chemistry in the 2011 drama serial Maat, where they played sisters with clashing ambitions. Though their characters were at odds, the show sparked a lasting real-life friendship.

Reflecting on their bond, Saba praised Aamina in a 2018 interview with The Express Tribune. “Working with Aamina Sheikh has been a wonderful experience. She is one of the most professional and hardworking actors in our industry,” she shared.

Heartfelt Reunions and Shared Memories

In August last year, Saba dedicated a heartfelt Instagram post to Aamina, where they twinned in black and white outfits. She expressed gratitude for their time together, writing, “Your presence brought warmth and joy to my home, and our conversations left me inspired.”

Admiring Aamina’s talent and kindness, she continued, “It’s rare to meet someone so genuine, and I feel fortunate to have you as a friend. Looking forward to creating more beautiful memories together.”

In the post, the two enjoyed a cozy girls’ day at Saba’s home, where they posed playfully, forming a heart with their hands. Saba kept it casual in a white t-shirt with summer bangs, while Aamina exuded elegance in a white kurta.

A Reunion After 14 Years

In January, the duo thrilled fans by announcing their on-screen reunion in Case #9. Saba and Aamina embraced in a long, swaying hug, twinning in sunglasses and crop tops. “Saba, we made it. We’re here,” Aamina said, clapping hands with her bestie. “We’re here to slay.”

Aamina also reciprocated the love last August, praising Saba’s fearless performance in Maat. “Life and screen shine when there is mutual respect and admiration,” she wrote. “Aimen, my character in Maat, wouldn’t have made the same impact without Saba’s bold and uninhibited portrayal of Saman. She was the true yin to my yang.”

Looking ahead, Aamina expressed excitement for their journey. “Now in life, we pick up where we left off, always grateful, always joyful for our shared success.”

Also Read: Saba Qamar Finds Staying in Karachi for Three Months Challenging

Featured

Indian Singer Diljit Dosanjh Hints at Possible Visit to Pakistan

Indian singer and global music sensation Diljit Dosanjh has sparked excitement among his Pakistani fans by hinting at a possible visit to Pakistan.

During a Q&A session on Instagram, a Pakistani fan asked if he planned to visit. Dosanjh responded, “Haan ji, Pakistan aa jaayenge” (Yes, I will come to Pakistan).

As one of the few Indian artists with massive fan followings in both India and Pakistan, Dosanjh continues to attract Pakistani fans to his global concerts, where they openly admire his music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Galaxy Lollywood (@galaxylollywood)

His remarks have fueled anticipation among fans, with many urging him to visit soon. Although no official confirmation has been made, his statement has set social media abuzz with excitement.

Also Read: Mohsin Abbas Haider Applauds Diljit Dosanjh’s Rendition of ‘Uddi Ja’