Fawzia Saeed Hai
Fawzia Saeed Hai | |
|---|---|
فوزیہ سعید حی | |
| Born | Fawzia Zahiruddin Babar 14 July 1942 |
| Died | 23 June 1968 (aged 25) |
| Other names | First Lux Lady of Pakistan Lux Lady Fouzia Hai |
| Occupation | Model |
| Years active | 1956 – 1968 |
| Spouse | (husband) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parent(s) | Sahibzada Mirza Zahiruddin Babar (father) Qamar Begum (mother) |
| Relatives | Raju Jamil (cousin) |
Fawzia Saeed Hai (Urdu: فوزیہ سعید حی; July 14 1942 – 23 June 1968) was a prominent Pakistani model in the late 1950s and 1960s, widely celebrated as the country's first "Lux Lady".[1] Considered the leading female model of her era, her career was noted for defining the image of beauty and grace in early Pakistani media.[2][3][4]
Early life
Fawzia Saeed Hai was born on July 14, 1942, in Shimla, British India.[1] She hailed from the educated and sophisticated Loharu family, a former princely state family.[1] Her father was Sahibzada Mirza Zahiruddin Babar and her mother was Qamar Begum.[5]
Career
Fawzia began her modeling career at a young age, becoming the first model to be featured in the popular Lux soap advertisements in Pakistan when she was just 16 years old.[1] Her face quickly became synonymous with the brand, and her image was featured prominently on billboards across the country.[6]
A notable moment in her career occurred during Queen Elizabeth II's royal visit to Pakistan in January 1961.[2] Fawzia was one of the models selected to participate in a special fashion show arranged for Her Majesty, which showcased "fine dresses of the region".[2] The event was a high-profile diplomatic affair.[2]
She was highly sought after for numerous press and media modeling campaigns and was the face of several major consumer brands in the 1960s, including Lux, Dalda, Jan-e-Saba Soap, Bano Banaspati, Tullo and Dew.[2]
Personal life
She married Pakistan's ace tennis champion, Khwaja Saeed Hai, in the 1960.[7] They remained married until her death and had four children together: three daughters and one son.[1]
Illness and death
Fawzia Saeed Hai died suddenly on June 23, 1968, in Philadelphia, United States, just three weeks shy of her 27th birthday.[2] She died while swimming at a friend's house in Philadelphia.[2] She suffered an asthma attack while in the pool and drowned. She died due to aneurysm which occurred while she was swimming.[2]
Tribute
Fawzia's close friend poet Taufiq Rafat, a close family friend, wrote a poem titled "Poem for Fawzia" in her memory.[8][9][10]
Public image
Hai was known for her serene beauty, grace, and elegant, sophisticated persona, which made her a "darling" of the public and press.[1][2]
References
- ^ a b c d e f "فوزیہ سعید ہے پاکستان مائی ماڈل اور اشتہار کا ایک بڑا نام ہے". The Weekly Nigar Karachi (Golden Jubilee Number): 112. 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "پاکستان کی ماڈل اور لکس لیڈی فوزیہ سعید حئی انتقال کر گئیں۔". Weekly Nigar Karachi (Golden Jubilee Number): 117. 1968.
- ^ "The way we wore". Dawn News. September 15, 2013.
- ^ "رنگ بکھریں، کلی چٹکے، بہار آئے". Jang News. August 14, 2022.
- ^ A Pursuit of Happiness: Memories, Dreams, and Mortality. Archway Publishing. February 10, 2025. p. 73.
- ^ "لکس ماڈل فوزیہ سعید ہے کا انٹرویو". Weekly Nigar Karachi (Golden Jubilee Number): 122. 1966.
- ^ A Pursuit of Happiness: Memories, Dreams, and Mortality. Archway Publishing. May 2, 2025. p. 74.
- ^ Pakistan Quarterly - Volume 17. University of California. p. 67.
- ^ Wordfall: Three Pakistani Poets, Taufiq Rafat, Maki Kureishi, Kaleem Omar. Oxford University Press. p. 5.
- ^ Ariel - Volume 29. University of Calgary. p. 204.