We’ve covered many stories in the past about people willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their ideal appearance.
But Sahar Tabar from Tehran has taken that pursuit to a whole new level.
The Iranian Instagram sensation, known as Sahar Tabar, rose to immense popularity and sparked a massive online reaction after posting photos of herself in 2017. The images she shared were unlike anything typically seen online — and they left many people stunned.
According to Turkish media reports, Sahar has undergone more than 50 plastic surgeries and lost 90 pounds to achieve the look she desires.
Soon after, over 400,000 followers began tracking Sahar’s transformation on Instagram, and she made sure to keep them updated every step of the way.
As her fame grew, a local newspaper reported that Sahar’s ultimate goal with her transformation was clear: she wanted to look like actress Angelina Jolie.
Credit / Instagram
However, Sahar, whose real name is Fatemah Khishvand, clarified that this was never her intention. The rumor about her resembling Angelina Jolie was false; she never aimed to look like the Hollywood star. Some people even compared Sahar to Emily from Corpse Bride, the character from Tim Burton’s animated film.
“I never had any desire to look like Angelina Jolie, nor did I want to resemble the character from Corpse Bride. I understand that I may share some features, but I consider myself my own muse, and my goal was never to imitate anyone,” Sahar explained to Sputnik News in 2017.
Sahar also shared that her photos were a form of artistic expression, and she enjoyed experimenting with makeup and photo editing. Over time, she underwent procedures such as rhinoplasty, Botox injections for her lips, and liposuction.
Iran boasts a robust plastic surgery industry, with the country holding the highest rate of nose surgeries globally. This trend has been popular among young Iranians for years, and for Sahar, who aspired to fame, cosmetic surgery became an easy way to garner attention. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Sahar continued to build her Instagram following.
Credit / Instagram
“I don’t see anything wrong with this. It’s simple, and many people around the world do it. Here in Tehran, the cost of one operation is 10 million Iranian rials ($283),” Sahar shared.
She posted one striking image after another, and her following grew rapidly. Soon, some of the world’s most influential newspapers covered her story, and Sahar became a household name in her home country.
“People respond warmly when they see me in the city. They recognize me, call my name, talk to me, and give me hugs. They support me, and I don’t feel any negativity from them,” she reflected in 2017.
However, not everyone agreed with her drastic transformation. Many believed she looked better before undergoing all the surgeries.
“For me, the most important thing is the acceptance of my family and God. I have that, and it’s enough for me. The opinions of others don’t matter; I simply ignore their negativity,” Sahar explained.
However, it appears the Iranian regime and lawmakers weren’t as impressed with Sahar and her rise to fame.
In October 2019, she was arrested and put on trial. Her Instagram account was shut down, and she faced charges of “corruption” and “blasphemy.” By December 2020, Sahar was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In response, Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad called for support.
Credit / Instagram
Sahar Tabar is only 19. A playful act landed her behind bars.
“Her mother cries every day, hoping to free her innocent daughter. Dear Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Please help us.”
Then, something surprising occurred. After just 14 months, Sahar was released from prison. Given the current unrest in Iran, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, it’s possible that the protests played a role in her early release. According to Sahar, the judge agreed to convert her arrest order into a bail order.
Although Sahar’s official Instagram, @sahartabar_official, remains deactivated, several other social media accounts continue to share both old and new photos of her.
Sahar Tabar after her release from prison / Rokna/YouTube
After her release from jail, Sahar made a television appearance and revealed her natural face. She admitted to having undergone several cosmetic procedures but also confessed that many of the iconic photos that contributed to her fame were heavily influenced by makeup and Photoshop editing.
I’m not one to pass judgment on others. People should be free to be themselves and look however they choose.
In Sahar’s situation, it appears there’s much more to the story than just a few shocking pictures, and I truly hope she’s no longer facing any trouble because of them!
