Hina Ashfaq has had the kind of start to her career that most young models can only dream of. Having opened her eyes to the fashion realm as a top seven contestant in 2014’s Miss Veet Contest, Hina has since seen no dearth of offers. Her doll-like features captured the attention of leading fashion brands and had the potential to catapult her to a successful modelling career, having her graced countless runways, and numerous high fashion campaigns of luxury brands like Hub, Hush Puppies, Jazz, Mantra and more. But she soon made her debut into acting to pursue another passion and dream: acting. In 2016, she was seen in the drama Munkir and later she made a guest appearance in the movie Thora Jee Le. Recently, Hina was seen starring alongside a stellar ensemble cast including Hamza Ali Abbasi, Sajal Aly, Ahsan Khan and Kubra Khan in Alif. Hina Ashfaq is already big and is certainly getting bigger and she is ready to take over both the fashion world and the silver screen. MAG catches the budding star in a lively tete-a-tete, where she opens up, by her own admission, like never before. Excerpts:

Introduce us to Hina Ashfaq. Who are you on and off camera?

On camera, I’m professional, serious and confident. While off camera, I'm an introvert but friendly.

How did you find your way to modelling? Walk us through your journey.

I started my modelling career in 2014. I was part of Miss Veet 2014 and I was the top seventh contestant.

What do you consider to be your first big break in the industry?

My first big campaign shoot was Hub but I consider Jazz to be my first big break in the industry.

What are your goals as a model and how do you see your evolution in this field?

I always wanted to be a role model and set new examples. My goal has always been to set a positive image for models and actresses.

There is so much competition in this field. So many new faces are discovered every year. How do you cope?

I always believe that whatever is in your luck, you will get it. Whatever is destined to be yours, sooner or later it will be yours.

Due to certain unachievable beauty standards and body image set by the fashion world in the past, women feel pressure to look a certain way. But that is changing globally as we have seen a recent surge of models of all colours, shapes and sizes. Do you think that’s the case in Pakistan too? Or we still have a long way to go?

I think we have a long way to go. We have been seeing certain changes but we still need more. I’m totally against body shaming and the unrealistic body image set in our industry and society on the whole and I wish we can do away with such practices and are able to promote self-esteem, self-worth and self-acceptance instead.

You were recently part of drama serial Alif alongside some prominent actors of our industry. How has been that experience?

It has been one of my best experiences so far and I’m glad that I had the chance to work with such brilliant senior co-stars.

Do you see yourself acting more in dramas or modelling will be your top concern?

Both acting and modelling are my top concerns. I can't live without either.

What’s the best thing about working in the entertainment and fashion industry?

I think the best thing for me about working in the industry is that people adore you and respect you.

What do you do when you’re not modelling or acting?

I hang out with friends or simply relax on my own.

What did the 10-year-old Hina want to be as a grown up, and why?

I always wanted to be a fashion designer.

How would you describe your personal style?

I always prefer something very comfy yet stylish. I’m more into fusion.

What would be your advice for those who are interested in pursuing modelling and acting as a career?

My advice to aspiring actors and models would be to always remember that patience and hard work is the key. Give your best and wait for the right time.

Lastly, what is on your to-do list? Any projects you’re working on currently?

Yes, I am part of two dramas that are currently on air. One is Askhbar and the other is Masters. Apart from that, I’m working on a few more acting and modelling projects.

• Coordination: Umer Mushtaq
• Hair & makeup: Angie’s Salon
• Designer: Kausar Sajid
• Styling: Team Take@ PR
• Photography: Yasser Sadiq