The Prestige: Can you please start by describing one another for us in your own words?

Sahar: Well, my sister and I have strong, individual personalities – we’re as different as night and day. Nevertheless, we’re both very upfront about our short-comings. I might sound a little biased but Amana, in my opinion, is the sweetest soul in the world. She’s incredibly honest and kind – to that point that it’s almost annoying and she has always been this way, even back in school. My father had always wanted Amana to become a barrister and in the end, she did end up going to law school which, I think, made her surer of herself and taught her to be more decisive. Even though my sister and I are very different, we’re very close.

Amana: If I had to describe Sahar in a few words, I’d say that she is confident, head-strong and has an impeccable taste in fashion. Sahar always knows exactly what she wants and she has always been out-spoken about her goals and desires. She is also a daydreamer – a quality that has helped her to achieve quite a lot so far. she’s basically the yin to my yang. We balance each other out.

The Prestige: Have you two always been this close?

Amana: Yes, I mean, I’ve always been very dependent on my sister. I used to be one of those children who used to follow their older sibling around. From food to clothes – everything Sahar bought, I had to buy too. I used to look up to her, and I still do. As children, we were fine with sharing our things. Sahar, as an older sister, was very protective and big-hearted. She spoiled me more than my parents did.

Sahar: Guilty as charged and I don’t regret it one bit. Having grown up attached at the hip, I feel blessed to be able to work with my sister now. Even after getting married and living in separate houses, our work enables us to meet each other daily. Honestly, imagining an alternative situation is scary. I don’t know what I would have done without Amana in my life.

The Prestige: Do you have any specific memories you can tell us about? Any disagreements or memorable fights that seem petty in retrospect?

Sahar: I honestly cannot think of any such moments. We have had tiny squabbles in the past, but they cannot be considered as full-fledged fights. Amana and I have always got along pretty well – we were never ones for petty fights.

Amana: Up until we got married, we used to share all our things. I remember when Sahar got married, we had to split up our belongings, and even then Sahar gave away most of the items in her share to me. As far as I remember, Sahar and I have only ever had disagreements because of the difference in our personalities.

Sahar: Yes, for example, whenever we have different ideas on designs. We never hold one another back – instead, we hear each other out and try to imagine things from each other’s view. More often than not, in these situations, we end up executing both the designs – because why not?

Amana: Yes, now that we’ve grown up, we’ve developed different tastes in fashion. Nonetheless, that has never posed any significant issues as far as our businesses are concerned – what irks me sometimes, however, is how Sahar keeps pestering me about learning how to say no.

Sahar: All I say is that she should not let her clients take advantage of her mild nature. Not everyone is as thoughtful as she is. I guess it’s my way of trying to shield her from the harsh reality of this world.

Amana: See, this is where I disagree. By coming to me to buy my services, my clients place all their trust on me to make them feel the most beautiful on the biggest day of their lives. It’s my job to fulfill their desires.

Sahar: It circles back to our personalities. I’m the excited one. Amana, on the other hand, is the cool-headed one. She’s the one I go to for advice. She is my rock – the one who keeps me grounded.

The Prestige: Can you tell us a bit about your parents and your childhood?

Sahar: Well, I was born in Saudi Arabia and Amana in Islamabad, Pakistan. Also, let me take this opportunity to clear up a confusion – Amana and I are not Pakistanis. We’re Bangalis by blood. We moved to Bangladesh in 2003 and we had a hard time adapting to the culture and cuisine here. However, the biggest barrier was the language. It took us a long time to get the hang of it. In my opinion, our childhood was made up of the best of both worlds.

Amana: I agree. We have the most supportive parents in the world. Our mother is an incredibly smart, beautiful and modern woman. She is extremely giving and has always prioritized our well-being over everything else. The three of us – our mother, Sahar and I – share a very strong bond.

Sahar: Our father is our number one supporter, but I think he loves Amana a bit more than he loves me. As Amana resembles my father more than I do, our father says that Amana is the best looking girl in the family.

Amana: It’s obviously a joke. We’re a very fun-loving family.

The Prestige: Lastly, can you tell us one secret about each other?

Amana: Sahar would have loved to act in Bollywood. She fancies herself as one of those actresses who get swept off their feet by the hero (who in Sahar’s imagination is her husband, Shafqat), in one of those complex dance and music sequences.

Sahar: I cannot believe that you just spilled that.

The Prestige: Consider this as your chance to get back at her.

Sahar: I really can’t think of anything. Amana is a saint.

Amana: Really?

Sahar: You’re not interesting at all. I’m the entertainer in the family. Nonetheless, I think I have something to share. Amana is obsessed with her husband. Her world revolves around Sajjad. Before making any plans, she first checks whether Sajjad is free or not, and only says yes to plans if he is otherwise occupied.

Amana: I can’t believe you chose to go with that.

Sahar: What else could I have told them?

Amana: I don’t know – that I like to sing? That we’re both bathroom singers. I mean we’re not the best, but we do try our best.

Sahar: Oh, yes! Amana is an amazing singer. In fact, Amana and Shafqat, my husband, recorded a song once. It was our gift to Amana on her graduation from Law School. I wrote the lyrics. It was quite an experience.

The Prestige: On that note, we’re going to wrap up. Thank you both very much for your time.

The Rahman sisters are still going at it strong. We are very excited to see what else the queens of pastels have in store for us in the future. Speaking of which, Sahar Rahman Couture is all set to open up their new branch in Gulshan 2 and we’re super excited and you should be too.  The Prestige whole-heartedly wishes them the very best of luck for their future endeavors.