Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Gangubai Kathiawadi made all the right noises since the first look was launched. Now, months after its release, he stirred audiences again in the British Capital last week, for good reason. As part of the BAFTA Awards campaign for Gangubai Kathiawadi, Bhansali was in London attending a series of high profile events.
Bringing Indian cinema to a global scale, the auteur filmmaker took his first ever BAFTA Masterclass on 28th November, discussing about his phenomenal career trajectory spanning over the last 25 years. Bhansali was the first ever Indian invited to speak at the world’s highest ranked fashion and art school, organized at BAFTA’s iconic Princess Anne Theatre.
Leading the charge to ensure the man looked his part, was Lubna Rafiq. She was the tour de force responsible for Bhansali’s flawless skin and dapperly groomed appearance at the historic event. Based in London, the makeup artist is associated with a brand of unmistakable quality, exceptional skill and immense acclaim in the field of Makeup & Hair Artistry over the past decade. Her talent and work ethos have made her one of the most versatile artists and an absolute favourite among brides, top influencers and celebrities. Lubna’s name is synonymous with her exemplary talent and creativity, immeasurable integrity and genuine professionalism.
“Makeup always intrigued me from an early age and I began my career providing image grooming solutions for events across the UK. “ It did not take her long to reach a wider audience as she garnered recognition from a huge clientele and various fashion houses across different parts of the world. She absolutely loves experimenting and bringing novelty to her work.
"While makeup gives you beautified skin, it is equally important to be comfortable in your own skin. You don't need to force yourself to walk into someone else’s shoes. Be real and authentic. That’s when the makeup makes you truly shine."
With a fair share of ups and downs in her journey, Lubna wished to do more and give back to the industry that led her to the highs. Thus, in 2005 her brainchild ‘Lubna Rafiq Academy’ was born. At the academy, the prolific artist is renowned for conducting an array of intensive training programs. The makeup artist has been educating aspiring stylists on how to pave their way in the beauty industry. It is perhaps not very surprising that Lubna is widely looked upon as a mentor to thousands of budding stylists across the world. Along with a lucrative makeup academy, she runs Lubna Rafiq Agency which has played an instrumental role in helping potential makeup artists shine in the glamour world.
Apart from teaching the art and craft of makeup, Rafiq continues to inspire women on how to build a successful business empire in the beauty industry.
