Uorfi Javed

Unfiltered & Unapologetic

Our cover star is a phenomenon not everyone can grasp, yet she thrives in that space of originality. Confidence, insatiable ambition and tenacity have made this internet sensation a star in her own right, despite the many roadblocks. Scroll through to read Aza's unfiltered interview with Uorfi Javed – this is one you don’t want to miss.

Photography by Shivam Gupta; Styling by Anshika Verma; Styling assistance by Tanisha Bhatia; Hair by Arbaz Shaikh; Makeup by Dimplle S Bathija; Artist Reputation Management by Communiqué Film PR; Creative Direction by Arthi Medithi; Words by Kajol Shah

Uorfi possesses this rare combination of nous, creativity and guts that keeps her in the spotlight perennially. And she takes both positive and negative talk about her in good stride, as reflected in the quote she lives by: “Jab log tumhare khilaaf bolne lage ... samajh lo tarakki kar rahe ho.” A famous dialogue from the movie Guru based on the life of business tycoon Dhirubai Ambani, it translates to 'when people start speaking against you ... understand that you are making progress.' “I think this sums up my life,” Uorfi declares with a smirk, as we both sit down with a hot cup of coffee in our hands to prep for the long shoot day ahead of us.

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Designer, Seema Gujral; Earrings & Ring, The Jewel Factor

The Shock Factor

I do have a unique bond with them (the paparazzi). I know each of them by name, and although we sometimes argue, we always apologize and make up.

The room thrums with excitement, ready to witness Uorfi's transformation from the laid-back athleisure fit in which she arrived, into a fully dolled-up designer look. A short while later, she's on the floor in a luxurious pearl-encrusted ivory Jigar & Nikita lehenga set; adding to the glim and glam is a stunning two-layered necklace from Araiya by Aza, our new venture of exquisite, sustainable lab-grown diamond jewellery. She's no stranger to the stop-in-the-tracks reaction that she just received from us. Often clicked in the bylanes of Mumbai in the most innovative sartorial creations, our cover star shares a one-of-a-kind rapport with the paparazzi. “I do have a unique bond with them. I know each of them by name, and although we sometimes argue, we always apologize and make up.”

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Designer, Jigar & Nikita; Rings & necklace, Araiya by Aza

Most of Uorfi's creations are as beautiful as they are bizarre. Take for example, the black gown with stitched 3D flowers and artificial butterflies that seemed to flutter at the sound of a clap, or the trompe-l'œil double dress inspired by luxury fashion house Viktor and Rolf. These visuals of Uorfi serve as the perfect catnip for media houses chasing traction, making it a mutually beneficial affair. “After I got out of Bigg Boss OTT, I had a small window to be in the public eye as I didn't have much else going on. So, I decided to draw attention by getting clicked in unique outfits, and that's pretty much how it started.” Javed says, explaining why the shock factor is her X Factor.

Believe it or Not

You see, any idea or opinion that is run-of-the-mill is not Uorfi, and that even stands true for her worldview. When I ask her to dive into the depths of her faiths and beliefs, she delights me with elaborate thoughts on religion, unconventional theories and more. “I’m constantly seeking answers.” And what are the questions? I ask as she slides her finger into a lustrous Araiya by Aza diamond ring, which perfectly complements the Itrh crystal embellished cut-out maxi dress with a flowing aqua trail. “The universe in general consumes my thoughts—why are we here? Is destiny real?” Talking about the texts she has been exploring, she tells me, “I don’t follow any one person or religion, but I've been reading the Bhagavad Gita to study the origins of faith. I also read this book called Only Love is Real by Dr. Brian Weiss eight years ago, and it has had a profound impact on my beliefs. It made me consider the possibility of souls and a greater purpose.”

“It's the idea that we're living in a giant video game, creating our own reality. While it makes sense in many ways, I'm still searching for the ultimate truth.

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Designer, Itrhtwo; Earrings & rings, Araiya by Aza

Suddenly, the planets and their movement seem to be deciding our fate too—dare I say the two most-dreaded words, Venus Retrograde. While opinions vary on occult sciences, with some embracing its significance and others dismissing it as hogwash, for Uorfi it's more about cutting losses. When I learned that the 'o' in 'Uorfi' is an addition made by her upon a numerologist's advice, I recalled an instance from the trailblazer's reality show, Follow Kar Lo Yar. In the episode, the sight of a flickering lamp prompted her to turn to an energy reader, eliciting light-hearted mockery by her family. Unfazed, Uorfi asserts, “I will do whatever it takes. A numerologist told me changing my name from Urfi to Uorfi would help me generate money, so I did it.” Beyond beliefs, even theories like the Simulation Hypothesis tickle her fancy. “It's the idea that we're living in a giant video game, creating our own reality. While it makes sense in many ways, I'm still searching for the ultimate truth.”

Sense and Sensibility

“Growing up in an environment filled with abuse, I was constantly in survival mode and unable to develop a distinct personality.

When I ask Uorfi to hold a mirror to her sensibilities, she traces them back to her childhood. While touching up her bold burgundy lipstick, she explains how a lot of her characteristics are a by-product of her childhood experiences, yet she disassociates from the past version of herself. “There is little resemblance between my past self and who I am today. Growing up in an environment filled with abuse, I was constantly in survival mode and unable to develop a distinct personality. I recognize that much of my anger was suppressed and misdirected. I do not want to be that person anymore; I want to be a better person.”

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Designer, Torani; Necklace, TAD by Ameesha Dalmia; Rings, Anokhee Ada

Onwards & Upwards

Many, including myself, engaged in a binge-viewing session of Uorfi's reality series, Follow Kar Lo Yaar, on the very weekend it premiered. While the primary purpose was entertainment, most also ended up with a deep admiration for the main character, our muse. With support from renowned designers including the likes of Rahul Mishra, Rimple & Harpreet Narula and Amit Aggarwal and invitations to big fashion events, the tide of appreciation only seems to be swelling. Has life been divided into pre and post Follow Kar Lo Yaar? “Firstly, I would like to credit Prime and SOL Productions for making the show so well. As for any changes post its success, I'm just happy that I'm getting to do more work, and more of what actually matters to me.” As a fan myself, I nudge her to reveal when season 2 is coming out. “I'm waiting for Prime to greenlight season 2. You write about it, maybe they'll do it then!” she deadpans.

“You know how crowds gather to see Shahrukh Khan wave from his Mannat balcony? Maybe if I experience something like that, I'll feel like I've made it.

A unique career path and lack of guidance left Uorfi with no choice but to be an autodidact. However, no shortcomings can put a damper on this goal-getter's ambition. “You know how crowds gather to see Shahrukh Khan wave from his Mannat balcony? Maybe if I experience something like that, I'll feel like I've made it.”

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Designer, Papa Don't Preach; Earrings, The Jewel Factor; Footwear, Uorfi's own

Uorfi, the Anomaly

Perched on a life-sized chess rook wearing a Papa Don't Preach jumpsuit, Uorfi's got a minute or two to spare as the videographer preps his equipment. I quickly open my interview notes and decide on a question: which famous personality would you like to spend a day with? A random decision, but one I'm glad I chose. “There's this really cute guy I met in Delhi. We hardly get to spend time with each other since I'm in Mumbai, and he's there. I would love to spend a day with him currently, rather than someone famous.” Who knew, that beneath the prickly pear demeanor lies a sweet side to her? Always expect the unexpected with Uorfi.

As we sit to peruse the shoot images, a burst of photos with Uorfi set against reflections of the queen and king chess pieces on the wall prompts me to ask one final question: in the game of life, where Uorfi is the queen, who is her king? “I'm the queen, that's it. I do not need a king.” And she's back!

Also Read:With two megahits on opposite ends of the cinematic experience spectrum, Pratibha Ranta is already proving to be a versatile talent. In this exclusive interview, Aza's February cover star talks about the mixed reactions on Laapata Ladies nearly making it to the Oscars, her preparation for Heeramandi, her upbringing, her favourite thing about Mumbai and more.

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Uorfi Javed

The Shock Factor

Believe it or Not

Sense and Sensibility

Onwards & Upwards

Uorfi, the Anomaly

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