In conversation with the woman of many talents, Azra Mahmood
Azra Mahmood Model, Choreographer, Presenter and Stylist Photographs: Rony Rezaul
Besides being one of the most recognised models in Bangladesh, you are unarguably the country’s best fashion choreographer. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a professional choreographer?
When I started my career in 2002, I didn’t think that I would be in this industry for so long and that I would still be in it at the age of 40. It actually started as a hobby, but then I fell in love with it, and it has captivated me for the past 20 years. I had always wanted to take this industry to a certain level, and it feels amazing that I have achieved that.
When I started choreographing, I wanted to ensure that Bangladesh reaches a point where there is no longer a need for international choreographers, specifically Indian choreographers to come in, because our country definitely has the talent. I am proud to say that we have finally reached this point, and achieving this has been one of the most pivotal moments of my career.
I have been playing the role of a mentor for younger models in the industry since 2007 when I started grooming young Lux Superstars.
At the time your career began, parents in our society were generally not approving of pursuing a career in media. Did you face any pushback from your family or well-wishers? Were there any other impediments or particular challenges you have had to overcome?
I had to face many challenges, not only from my family but also from society. My mother was very supportive, but my father was not sold on the idea as he did not believe that this was a career where one could earn enough money to support themselves. He believed that I should consider it a hobby instead. However, in 2004, as I started hosting television shows and expanding my career beyond modelling, he became more accepting.
Beyond my parents, society’s beauty standards such as skin colour and height were an issue, and, due to my darker complexion, it was difficult to get work sometimes. However, I am glad that I have fought and overcome all that to get where I am today.
How does your own experience in the industry reflect on the mentoring work with young models?
I have been playing the role of a mentor for younger models in the industry since 2007 when I started grooming young Lux Superstars. People used to tell me that I should open my own institution. I didn’t really understand why at the time, but then I realised that even though the industry has grown, most new models don’t really know where to start. For models to be of a certain standard, proper training is required. I myself had received training. Kawshiki Nasser Tupa opened an institution back in 2001 and she trained me for 3 months, which is where it all started for me. This is why I understand the need for an institution or a mentor to guide you through the entire process. Thus, about 5 years ago, I decided to open my own institution, Azra Mahmood’s Talent Camp. I felt as though I had a responsibility towards the younger models. I wanted to train them, introduce them to the industry and give them a realistic overview of how the industry works, and help them manoeuvre their careers. My aim is to institutionalise this training, and in the future, be able to send Bangladeshi models abroad.
When I started my career in 2002, I didn’t think that I would be in this industry for so long and that I would still be in it at the age of 40. It actually started as a hobby, but then I fell in love with it, and it has captivated me for the past 20 years.
What does the future hold for Azra Mahmood? What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years?
I would like to see the modelling industry grow a lot more than it has. I feel that all the growth so far has been very unplanned, which is why, in the next five years, I would like to play a role in developing the industry to a certain level in a planned manner. I have some ideas about how to go about this, now let’s see how this goes.