Interview by Hiwa Salah
Shahla Qadrian is a model from the city of Mahabad in Iranian Kurdistan. She speaks to Rudaw about the challenges models face and her hopes to change people's way of viewing the modeling industry.
Rudaw: Is modeling not difficult for women in Iran? How did you choose this career?
Shahla Qadrian: These jobs are surely very difficult to do in Iran because there is no freedom for such type of work. They are not permitted even if one wears complete Hijab. The Iranian ministry of culture has forbidden this job and even the people doing this work are considered strange. This work has not completely set its roots in our culture. But people like me should gradually change this kind of thinking. So, photo modeling in Iran is very difficult and challenging.
What are the problems you face?
There are many problems for our work in east Kurdistan. On one hand, we fear the authorities. On the other hand, we are upset by what people say. Some people do not like what we do. They don’t yet understand the aim and message of this work. They think it is only about modeling, whereas it is a grand art that can be of great benefit for the society.
Is modeling given attention in east Kurdistan?
No, no attention is given to this work. Modeling is not allowed in public places. You can however do it among some women. But, overall, this work is barely done in the east.
Are you doing any other art things other than modeling?
I am currently a fitness trainer and a trainer of Persian dance. I am doing the latter in my own hall.
Have you had activities in other parts of Kurdistan?
I have travelled to south Kurdistan on visit but didn’t perform any artistic activity there. I think modeling is on the rise in south Kurdistan. I have had some invites from there, but I still view this work cautiously and I don’t know anyone there to assist me.
What international models do you want to emulate?
I don’t really want to resemble anyone. I want to have my own style. I want to be known for my own work. I have always tried to be different from others and be myself.
Your fans say you are very beautiful. Has this caused problems for you?
Many pages and accounts have been created under my name, using my photographs too to talk to people on the internet that has become an addiction for people. This upsets me because it has caused many problems and people think it is me. I want to tell people not to believe them or reply to them.
Is beauty a necessity for a model?
To some extent, beauty is necessary for models because modeling can convey its message and attract people’s attention through beauty. That is why modeling is more successful when there is an element of beauty involved.
Models often draw the attention of producers. Has any producer asked you to take part in a film or drama?
Yes, I have had too many such requests. I will be participating in a joint Kurdish-Persian film in Tehran in a near future.
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