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After movie triumph, schoolgirl takes to the catwalk and wows the modelling world
Social media sensation Suzan Ahmed – better known by her stage name Suzi Khan – is capturing the hearts of a growing army of fans worldwide following movie success and a blossoming modelling career.
The Bahraini eight-year-old Abdul Rahman Kanoo School student, who stands out from the crowd with her signature long locks, now boasts more than 50,000 Instagram followers and has a growing portfolio of photo-shoots to her name.
At the tender age of three, enchanting Suzi convinced her parents – business executive Madiha Ayoob, and banker Ahmed Haji – that the stage was set for a career in front of the bright lights.
“I noticed her talent at a very early stage,” said Madiha, from the family home in Bu Quwah. “All she wanted was to be made up and photographed. Her favourite toys were make-up sets. She dreamed of one day being a star. We are so proud of her and are always trying to be as supportive as possible.”
Suzi’s long, voluminous tresses that now reach below her knees, beautiful eyes and sweet smile soon got her noticed by several modelling agencies … but it was a sudden burst of tender tears that helped catapult her on to a Bollywood film set for the first time.
She was sweetly caught on camera by her mum sobbing uncontrollably and professing her love of popular Indian film actor, producer, playback singer and TV personality, Salman Khan, while watching his movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan at the cinema.
The posted clip suddenly went viral and was shown to the star. Moved by her emotional outburst, he reached out to her and even Retweeted the video.
He then cast Suzi in his movie Sultan, referred to her as Suzi Khan … and the name has stuck ever since.
“I loved working with him,” said Suzi. “He is my favourite actor and a very good person.”
The movie increased interest in the young starlet, helped connect her to other stars, such as Indian actress Anushka Sharma, and brought more modeling and movie offers to the table.
Her acting career, however, has had to be put on hold for the time being. “I have received more opportunities in India to act in a movie and a TV series but I couldn’t accept them because it would require many months of shooting abroad and I can’t miss school!
“However, it’s something that I really love. My dream is to become a full-time actress and I’ve told my parents that I hope to study acting when I graduate from school. I hope that one day I can achieve my goals and make my country proud.”
Meanwhile, she is happily fitting in modelling shoots around her schoolwork. A recent Matty B Models Fashion Agency booking for REO’s winter collection outside Lulu Hypermarket’s store in Sanabis witnessed hundreds of fans pack Dana Mall.
She was recognised instantly and was greeted by whoops and cheers as soon as she stepped out on to the stage.
Suzi said: “I watched lots of catwalk videos on YouTube beforehand and I practiced at home. I was the youngest model walking the runway at Lulu and was really happy and excited to be offered the opportunity.”
Agent Matty B believes the child’s positive attitude helps give her the edge. “Suzi has an incredible smile and confidence that people warm to instantly, is a natural in front of the camera and, without a doubt, will only get better,” he said.
“I watched her throughout the recent hotel shoot in front of a very experienced photographer, members of management and two other adult models. She was playing the child in a family role to showcase the brand’s new Royal Residence Villa and was never fazed.
“Also, her runway performance at Lulu was in front of more than 200 people and she simply oozed confidence.
“I would not hesitate to book her for any kind of photo or video shoot, fashion show or promotional commercial.”
It appears Suzi has a bright future ahead of her and she advises other youngsters to always ‘follow their dreams’, to ‘work hard’ and to ‘never give up’.
