Pages 82–83

Shazeeda Gafoor

Meet the stunning Canadian-based Guyanese West Indian model, and ecomonics student, who one day plans to work with the United Nations…

Photographed by Nick Saglimbeni
Hair & make-up by Indu Jay

Pages 84–85

Pull quote: ““I’m very passionate about women’s rights, environmental sustainability and equitable social policies.”

Welcome to MAXIM, Shazeeda. How does it feel?
It feels surreal! It has been such a dream.

We see you’ve done a lot of runway work; how did you get into modelling?
I got into modelling when I was 18 – I had just started University at the time. I’d always been very interested in modelling, so I decided to seriously pursue it that year and I’ve been modelling and living my dream ever since.

Besides modelling, what are your other passions?
I’m very passionate about women’s rights, environmental sustainability and equitable social policies. Also, believe it or not, I’m also passionate about what I study in University – Economics! I’ll be working with the United Nations one day.

If you were not a model, what would you have been?
This is always a tough question because now, even as a model, I have so many other attributes to my life than just my modelling career. If I could choose one though, I definitely would pursue the full student experience – I love to learn.

Your family is Guyanese West Indian and you’ve grown up in Toronto, Canada. Do you find it difficult to blend the two cultures?
Guyanese people are Indo-Caribbean, with an even blend of West Indian and Caribbean cultural practices – mixing this with North American culture doesn’t always work. My family (thankfully) can be very progressive with certain topics, like dating and what I wear – they are traditional about family and individual values, such as valuing higher education. I’m thankful to have been brought up like this because it strengthens my understanding of intersectionality, and tests my patience and pushes me to be the best version of myself no matter what area of my life.

What’s your most favourite part of your culture?
My favourite part of Guyanese culture is the food. We have such a wide variety of dishes that are a fusion of influences like the Amerindian, Chinese, Cajun, Creole, and Latin American. You have to try our signature dish, Pepperpot – it’s best enjoyed around the holiday season.

If you had one superpower, what would it be?
I would want to be able to teleport – is money and commuting is a waste of time.

Define your dream guy in three words.
Educated, kind, ambitious!

How do you let a guy know that you’re interested in him?
I’m pretty forward if I’m getting the right energy from a guy. I flirt playfully with a few arm touches here and there.

What’s your take on dating apps?
Dating apps are cool if that’s what you’re into. I’ve personally never met anyone worthwhile on a dating app – I think the guys worth dating probably don’t need dating apps.

If we had to arrange a perfect date night for you, what would you like us to do?
A perfect date night would be with a guy I liked doing pretty much anything. I’m not a very picky girl with any expensive taste – as long as he makes me laugh a lot and has a charming attitude it’ll be great.

When do you feel at your sexiest?
Right after I finish working out. Gotta love that booty pump!

What’s the secret to a sexy selfie?
Sexy selfies are all about the eyes and lips. Smiling with a slightly parted, moist lip and you’re good to go. ■

Follow Shazeeda Gafoor on Instagram at @s.gafoor

Pages 110–111

MAXIM GIRL

Of Fantasy & Sway

Hamel Patel has many avatars, and this is our favourite.

Text by VARUN SARIN
Photographed by NICK SAGLIMBENI

Pages 112–113

This is your first shoot with Maxim! How does it feel?
It feels so great. It’s like I’m breaking barriers for my girls!

We’re glad. You’re a model and a make-up artist, too. What role do you like playing the most?
I couldn’t possibly choose! I love playing both parts. It truly helps me bring my creativity to life.

You’ve a big fan base on Instagram. How did you build this community?
I’ve been creating content on Instagram for almost six years now! I would say it was just being myself and sharing my love for art with the world, and that worked.

It sure did! You’re of Gujarati heritage, but have lived in the US your whole life. How do you integrate eastern culture into your everyday life?
It was pretty hard growing up with having to pick and choose sides, but as I got older, I found ways to have the best of both worlds. Some ways I like to integrate culture is with fashion. I love to style and rock Indo-western looks.

Your ‘Disney Princesses’ project got a lot of social media love. How did you give these characters a desi twist?
Each look was elaborately planned out: from my outfits to the colour of my bindi. I wanted to represent each princess as if they were desi themselves.

If not a model or a make-up artist, what would you have been?
If my life didn’t drastically change through Instagram, I would’ve explored graphic design. Designing was and still is a huge part of my life, but sometimes our paths tend to get intertwined.

A lot of men out there would like to know: what does it take to impress you?
Selflessness. Just taking the time to educate yourself about what’s going on in the world and being able to genuinely help others who can’t help themselves!

Would you let a guy know you’re interested?
If I’m interested in a guy, he would just know. I love asking questions; so, I would probably ask him about his goals and aspirations to get to know him better.

Noted. What’s your take on dating apps?
Dating apps aren’t my cup of chai! Online profiles can be really deceiving, so I’m not on any of them. I like getting to know people through physical interaction. It can really tell you a lot about a person.

If we had to arrange the perfect date night for you, what would you like us to do?
Something comfortable, not over the top! Maybe going to a painting class or a picnic and just getting to know each other!

When do you feel sexiest?
I feel sexiest when I’m in an Indian outfit. There’s something sexy about donning a sari or a lehenga: it makes me feel powerful.

Name a celebrity you would like to take a sexy selfie with.
Hrithik Roshan, definitely.

Define your dream guy in three words.
Funny, passionate, knowledgeable!

What can Maxim readers do to #MakeHerSmile?
There’s a lot you can do. Listen to her when she talks, show her that you care, and let her know how much you love her. ■

Pages 114–115

“Listen to her when she talks, show her that you care, and let her know how much you love her.”

Hair & Make-up by HAMEL PATEL
Shot on location at THE MEADOWS RALEIGH
Produced by SLICKFORCE STUDIO

Pages 84–85

MAXIM GIRL

Sensuality Unleashed

FOR JAISHIL, THE IDEA OF ‘SEXY’ IS THE SAME AS ‘SMART.’

Text by PRIYANKA CHAKRABARTI
Photographed by NICK SAGLIMBENI

Pages 86–87

Welcome to Maxim. How does it feel?
Honestly, I’m so excited and grateful to be featured in Maxim, a publication that focuses on women’s accomplishments that transcend their beauty. It’s a defining moment for me to share a platform with other women I’ve long been inspired by.

How would you define yourself in three words?
Confident, generous and intelligent. After all, I do share my birthday with Oprah!

You’re a British-Indian model living in the Middle East. What is the coolest gig that you’ve ever been a part of?
Born in Kenya and raised in the UK with an Indian ethnicity, I’ve always thought of myself as a woman of the world. So, for me, the Painted Princess Project stands out the most–influential women working with charitable causes for a better world. The profits from the prints are donated to help fight modern-day slavery as well as human trafficking.

What do you like best about your job?
I spent a lifetime not knowing my worth or being able to see the beauty that others saw in me. Modelling is the miracle that helps me practice self-love and enables me to live each day celebrating my worth. The best part of my job is helping others in their self-belief journey.

If not modelling, what would you be doing?
Actually, in addition to modelling, I work in the pharmaceutical industry. A beautiful woman with a brain is a pretty lethal combination! Don’t you agree?

Can’t deny that. You’ve built quite a community on social media. What does it take to maintain it?
I am exceedingly devoted and loyal to my followers. Interacting with those who are in need of genuine support is something that takes precedence. I make time to read all the comments: the good, the bad and the ugly! My community has protected me against trolls in the past, but I will always see my followers as an extension of my Jaishil world.

How much of your personal life do you portray on social media?
I try to portray the parts of my life that would empower or motivate others–personal life lessons as opposed to lifestyle posts that people would gain less from.

How can a guy impress you?
His heart should be the most beautiful thing about him. He must be the sort of person that makes life come to life!

How do you let a guy know you’re interested?
Three distinct things happen when I am interested in a guy: I tear myself away from my busy life and make time for him, I start to include him into my world, and I compliment him, often.

What should a guy do on a first date to cast a killer impression?
He should remind me what butterflies in the tummy feels like! He should make me laugh till it hurts and he should be kind-hearted.

And, what should a guy totally avoid doing on a first date?
Arrogance and disrespect towards others. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about–so be kind.

When do you feel the sexiest?
Candlelight makes me feel super sexy. It creates the perfect ambience that transforms any room into one of fantasy and mystique.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Game of Thrones, whilst being cuddled.

Have you ever flirted with a stranger?
I am incredibly shy when it comes to strangers I find attractive. I need to work on my game!

What’s the craziest thing a guy has ever done for you?
Surprised me with flying lessons.

How do you like to spend your weekends?
No weekend is ever the same for me. I like to balance my life between spending time with loved ones, keeping active and travelling. A simple life is a happy life.

Are you a travel buff?
Of course! Travel opens your mind, helps put life into perspective and forces you to step out of your comfort zone. In the last few years, I’ve developed a passion for trekking, and can include Mt. Kilimanjaro and Kazakhstan’s glaciers on my list.

Where did you go on your last holiday?
Hiking in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

What’s the best piece of guy-advice you’ve ever received?
Before you say there’s “no good men,” just make sure you’re a good woman.

What can Maxim readers do to make the women in their lives smile? In other words, #MakeHerSmile?
Always be honest. Help her realise her worth. And, no matter how bad the fight is, never go to bed angry. ▪

Pages 88–91: photographs, no text.

Pages 84–85

MAXIM GIRL

Meet The Enchantress

MIRA PATEL, THE INDIAN-ORIGIN MAKE-UP ARTIST AND MODEL, IS CREATING HEADLINES ON AMERICAN SOIL. WE GET UP-CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE INSTAGRAM SENSATION.

Text by SUNANDA VAID
Photographed by NICK SAGLIMBENI

Pages 86–87

“I feel sexiest when I am happy and comfortable in my own skin.”

Pages 88–89

Welcome to Maxim. How does it feel?
Thank you! It feels like a dream come true!

You’re a model and a make-up artist, too. What part do you like playing the most?
Though make-up came first, I always enjoyed the thought of modelling. Not that I didn’t have the same feeling for make-up, but I love the confidence and happiness I get from modelling. It makes me feel as if I am the prettiest girl in the world.

You’ve grown up in Badlapur and now you live in North Carolina. Which one do you call home?
Both are my home. My parents made it a very big deal about never forgetting our roots when we moved to the States. There are so many Indian traditions I carry out on a day-to-day basis; it’s in my blood and it’ll forever be a part of me.

You have a big fan base on Instagram. How did you build up this community?
Persistence and dedication definitely played a big role. To be more specific, I believe when I started blending my two worlds (being an Indian and American) and collaborating with different companies, people really took my page to another level. I focused on what I wanted to put out and get back. I always make it a point to interact with those who interact with me.

If not a model or a make-up artist, what would you have been?
That’s a scary question. I’ve met so many amazing people through this field, and so many doors have been opened not just for me, but girls in South Asian communities, too. I was born to be a model; without modelling and make-up, I would be lifeless. I get to express myself through my work, and without it I couldn’t imagine my life.

What does it take to impress you?
I am most impressed when a guy plans a spontaneous date or trip… something from the heart!

How do you let a guy know that you’re actually interested?
I’ll text back or Snap.

What’s your take on dating apps? Did you ever try being on one of them?
Haha, no. The thought of meeting strangers is a big scare for me. I also never really cared to go out of my way to find someone.

If we had to arrange a perfect date, what would you like us to do?
I would like to go somewhere where the stars are bright and visible. It’s so hard to see dazzling stars these days; and, yeah, we can forget the blankets and snacks!

When do you feel sexiest?
I feel sexiest when I am happy and comfortable in my own skin.

What’s the secret to a sexy selfie?
Confidence. Your face and posture will never lie. Be confident about your body and own it.

Define your dream guy in three words.
Smart, loving and funny.

What can Maxim readers do to make the women in their lives smile? In other words, #MakeHerSmile (our current public service campaign)?
Just love her. Text her and call her often, whenever you miss her. Plan fun date nights or impromptu trips to places you both want to go. You can even do something small but still meaningful, like having a romantic movie night at home. ▪

Pages 90–91

Hair & Make-up by MIRA PATEL
Shot on location at THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE IN RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Produced by SLICKFORCE STUDIO

Cover

MAXIM · The Ideas Issue · AUGUST 2018 ₹150

Sunshine & NEHA SHARMA — She’s Hotter Than Ever!

Other coverlines: Cocktails That Hydrate — Raising the Bar · Sex & Sensibility — The Modern Couple · A Dog’s Life — Hacks From Man’s Best Friend · Cellphone Salvation — Apps for the Mind · The Indian Sportsperson — Present & Future · Urban Style — From Street to Sport · #MakeHerSmile · INDIA VOLUME 13 ISSUE 7

Contents, page 4

44 NEHA SHARMA — The stunner makes her Maxim debut.

Photographed by NICK SAGLIMBENI

Pages 44–45

COVERGIRL

SHINE LIKE THE SUN

NEHA SHARMA, SHE OF TWINKLING EYES, MAKES HER MAXIM DEBUT.

Text by PRIYANKA CHAKRABARTI

Photographed by NICK SAGLIMBENI

THIS SPREAD — White swimwear set SUPERDRY. Fishnet high-waisted bottoms FLIRTATIOUS. Earrings H&M.

Interview, pages 47 and 53

Welcome to Maxim! How do you feel?
It feels absolutely fabulous. I think we’ve been trying to do this for a while, and I’m glad it’s finally happening! I guess some things are just meant to be.

What are you up to these days?
I am working on a couple of projects these days (can’t tell you just yet)! But, when I’m not working, I love training. Working out keeps me super-motivated. I love spending time with my dog, too. Oh, and I love watching movies. And, here’s something no one knows—I really enjoy reading books the authors of which have made a difference to this world, or tried to.

What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Simple Abundance–A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach; it’s an amazing book and it makes me feel really good.

Tell us about your favourite movie.
La Vie en Rose—I can watch it over and over again; it has the most beautiful performances. It’s also got the most amazing soundtrack…this film has all my favourite things in it.

What are you like on vacation?
Super fun! I love exploring a city like a local, and I’m not someone who likes planning in advance and being all organised. I like to go with the flow and be impromptu. Now, being in the visual medium, we actors have to eat right because our profession demands us to look a certain way. But, when I’m holidaying, I like to indulge in the local cuisine—it just makes the whole experience more holistic. Also, like I’ve told you before, I really enjoy music so I make sure I visit places where I can hear some local jams. And, I can’t stress this enough, I love road trips. The drive to a destination is better than the destination itself, they say.

Where are you planning to go next?
This year, I want to visit Italy.

Excellent choice. What does a usual day look like?
My day always starts with a warm cup of water. Then, I take my dog for a walk and catch up with my family. This is often followed by my workout session, which is an integral part of my life. Work happens thereafter; but when I’m not working, I like cooking, reading and, basically, unwinding. Oh, and if I have the time, I go out for a nice meal.

What’s the secret to a sexy selfie—your Insta feed is full of them!
A happy heart and great light. Find a place with the perfect lighting and just take that selfie!

We’ll tell our girlfriends. Your favourite drink?
When I go out, I like to have a good time so I’m open to trying different concoctions. It depends on the place, company and my mood. But, I do have a fondness for a red wine sangria and a martini (I always ask for some extra olives).

Nothing like a good martini. What does a guy have to do to get your attention?
I’m attracted to quiet and shy guys. What’s amazing about them is that they smile from the heart and have honest eyes. It melts my heart. I don’t like loud and full-of-themselves kinda people.

When do you feel sexiest?
Leather pants do it for me.

What were you like growing up?
Goofy, talkative and entertaining—it all comes from the love I always had for drama and stage. I was very naughty. I loved playing outdoors and I have broken many bones in my body. If you see my childhood pictures, you’ll always find a plaster on me. That’s why I hate my childhood albums.

How is the entertainment business evolving for women in India right now?
It’s a better place for women now. Things are changing and lines are blurring. There was a time when married women didn’t get too much work, but all that is changing now—just look at how high Kareena, Anushka, and Aishwarya are soaring! Cinema has become more liberal, too…people are ready to experiment with scripts and the audience is ready for a transformation. Today, people are talking about equal wages for women and equal treatment at the workplace. I feel these will eventually happen, but at least we have started making the right noises.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Happy, doing things I love, making good movies and, basically, I can’t stress this enough, chilling in life.

If we had to plan the perfect date night, what would it take?
Being in the arms of someone charming, watching a movie and soaking in a beautiful sunset—these are the ingredients that you will need. Think ocean views, jazz music in the backdrop, some red wine and delicious spaghetti on the plate.

A part of the reason why your fan base is so loyal is because you seem to present your genuine self on social media. Was that a conscious decision?
Not really. I can’t be any other way. This is who I am. I can’t pretend to be someone else. I think, if you’re real, people connect with you. My fans love me for who I am.

What is the good, bad and ugly of using social media in today’s digital age?
Social media is a great platform to express one’s views. For me, it’s a direct doorway to interact with my fans. On hindsight, though, there is so much hate and negativity and trolling to pull people down. People judge easily, and I don’t understand why. It’s not cool. One bad picture and there comes a long trail of judgments. I know being a celebrity means such things can’t be avoided, but sometimes it can get a little overwhelming.

If there’s something you could change about yourself, what would it be?
Absolutely nothing. I love myself now. I am very grateful for who I have grown up to be.

We have to ask: how did you like the OnePlus 6 phone?
It’s a damn cool phone. Perfect for taking selfies. ▪

Pull quote, page 49

“BEING IN THE ARMS OF SOMEONE CHARMING, WATCHING A MOVIE AND SOAKING IN A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET–THESE ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR A PERFECT DATE. THINK OCEAN VIEWS, JAZZ MUSIC IN THE BACKDROP, SOME RED WINE AND DELICIOUS SPAGHETTI ON THE PLATE.”

Wardrobe captions

p. 46 — THIS PAGE — White linen shirt MARKS & SPENCER. Distressed denim shorts SR STORE. Floral bikini ROXY. Earrings H&M.

p. 48 — THIS PAGE — Floral cover-up ZARA. Bandeau criss-cross bikini set SR STORE. Earrings H&M. FACING PAGE — Scallop bikini set PURPLE PAISLEY.

p. 50 — THIS SPREAD — Bikini top NIDHI MUNIM. Bottom KAI RESORTWEAR. Macrame jacket VERANDAH. Sunglasses BURBERRY. Necklaces H&M. Hand charms H&M, FOREVER 21 and SWAROVSKI.

p. 52 — THIS PAGE — Monokini PURPLE PAISLEY. Earrings H&M.

Credits as printed, page 52

Styling by KHYATI BUSA · Assisted by ARPITA CHONKAR · Make-up by ROSARIO BELMONTE · Hair by MARCELO PEDROZO · Shot on location at RENAISSANCE MUMBAI CONVENTION CENTRE HOTEL