Pakistani photographer Sadia Khan first female to shoot Mark Ruffalo of ‘Hulk’ fame!

Pakistani women are ruling all over the world in a recent span of years, and it isn’t hard to see why. Given the liberal approach to women education and freedom these days (compared to the past), women of Pakistan are proving all over the world that they are no less than men in all walks of life! Pakistan Today reached out to Sadia Khan, a professional photographer who shot acclaimed actor Mark Ruffalo, popularly known as ‘The Hulk’!

In March 2015, Sadia was able to complete one of the biggest projects of her life: a photo shoot with Hollywood superstar Mark Ruffalo.

Mark Ruffalo is a renowned actor, producer, director and screenwriter. He recently portrayed Marvel Comics’ character The Hulk in ‘The Avengers’.

Other films in which he has starred are ‘Begin Again’ and ‘The Kids Are All Right’. He also supports charity campaigns relating to education rights, women’s rights, forced marriages and clean energy.

She is the first Pakistani female photographer to work with the Hollywood actor, describing him as “the most generous, gentle, humble and down-to-Earth human being I have ever met in my life”.

“As a young Pakistani female, it has been a challenge trying to become involved in Hollywood, partly because I feel males dominate the world, and also because I was establishing my own solid connections rather than relying on anyone else.”

“The 2nd of March 2015 in London was a great day in my life, when I met Mark Ruffalo for a photo shoot. I waited at a local pub for him arrive. He was bang-on time and waved to me from the other side of the road. The greet felt so warm when I said Good morning Mark; he smiled at me with a nod of his head. Though I was still shocked and mesmerised that Mark Ruffalo was next to me for a shoot, it wasn’t difficult for me to start conversation with him!” Sadia exclaims.

Sadia further added that she sat at a table next to the River Thames and there Mark started talking about his interest in different cultures. After explaining his interests he started talking about Islam, inquiring about Islamic teaching and the Pakistani society. Sadia went on to explain the different concepts and teachings of Islam to the Hulk!

Mark was interested in colourful Asian weddings and different parties before and after the wedding ceremony, as well as the combined family system in some Asian countries, parents’ responsibilities to their children and children’s respect for their parents. A 90-minute chat allowed them to cover a wide range of topics such as women’s rights, forced marriages, terrorism and poverty and charity organisations that are working in Pakistan to help the poor. 

Being an actor and director, Mark helped Sadia to control and balance her posture and guided me on how to and where to take pictures with light control!

“I didn’t hesitate to ask him why such a big Hollywood star had agreed to help a Pakistani-Muslim photographer. His answer was a thoughtful message for all of us: I am no different then anyone else, I am just older and have seen much and I try to live in love and away from fear, for fear is the enemy of light.”

Mark’s final words before the session ended were about attitude; people who aren’t doing well are often frightened from inside. “Fear can take the light away from you,” he said. “The best thing you can do in your life is to be a good human and help others.”