Zara Sheikh – born June 1, 1982 in Lahore, is a famous Pakistani model-turn- actress and singer too.

Zara Sheikh:
Model-cum-Actress
‘Pakistan Times’ Societal Desk
Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Zara Sheikh – born June 1, 1982 in Lahore, the picturesque metropolis of the Punjab province – is a famous Pakistani model-turn- actress and singer too. She began her career through an ad campaign for Pakistan’s top cellular phone network Mobilink working as a full-time model before making her debut on the cinema-screen.

Sheikh's big break came while working with photography 'genius' Khawar Riaz, who promised to make her the next big thing and she has since gone on to act in films such as Tere Pyar Mein, Salakhain and Laaj. In 2003, she branched into singing, playback singing for her film Chalo Ishq Larain and releasing an album with pop-singer, Ali Haider.

Sheikh made her debut on billboards across Pakistan as the 'JAZZ Girl' for one of Pakistan's most popular and leading cellular service providers, Mobilink GSM. The ad campaign was an instant hit and took Sheikh to television and print ads for the brand.

Zara built on the success by appearing in photoshoots in teen and fashion magazines but initially, was not very successful. Her big break came when fashion photography 'genius' Khawar Riaz spotted her, thinking

Sheikh "would be a great platform for him to portray his work. "Sheikh was at first hesitant, but Riaz – who told her that he could turn her into the next Amna Haq, Pakistan's gorgeous leading model and Lux lady – was not deterred, and his efforts to persuade her have been described as "a Tom and Jerry chase which lasted for a year and a half and took him all over Lahore, from late night parties to afternoon trips to the shopping malls until eventually he managed to pin down the young lady."

Working with Riaz was "grueling," but Sheikh now calls her acceptance of his offer "a blessed decision." Sheikh has modeled for a large number of fashion designers including leading Pakistani designers Deepak Perwani, Nomi Answar and Rizwan Beg, and her looks have been described as "attractive," "fiery" and "ravishing." An article, focusing on Sheikh calls her onscreen presence "spectacular":

"One has to admit that Zara Sheikh has talent. With attractive looks and elegant style she can win the hearts of many. Her chemistry with the camera is spectacular." Sheikh has also worked with Asia-Saail, Selina Warda, designer duo Nickie Nina and popular brands like Crossroads, Levi's, Lajwanti and Nee Purtial.