It’s hard being a woman!

Director of corporate communications, Prestige Group, Uzma Irfan and model Roshan Issac discuss a range of topics over a quick chat...

Roshan Issac: When did you decide to join the family business?
Uzma Irfan: I decided to join the business up after my studies. Initially it was very nervous as it’s a huge empire. But now that it has grown, it’s more like a challenge for us. After I came back from London, the company decided to expand by getting into leisure and hospitality. I’m looking after that now!

R:  What makes you like and dislike Bangalore as a city?
U: What I dislike about our city is the traffic. I’m also not satisfied with the infrastructure and would like to bring about some change. But what I really like is the weather. and the people are warm and friendly!

R: You’ve made UB City a happening place in the city? How did you achieve this?
U: Unlike a typical mall, we were keen on giving luxury products to the people of Bangalore. And apart from having office space, retail and restaurants, you need to literally inspire the people to visit the place. That’s when we started organising events, which pretty much is the trick that worked for us.

R: What is the future of luxury retail in our city?
U: I think it’s huge and we’ve come a long way. When we first started UB City, we just had Louis Vuitton, but now the case is different. In places like Delhi and Mumbai, people want to be seen wearing high-end brands, but our city is conservative. The whole idea of having a luxury store in our city is to give the people an international shopping experience. Initially, it was difficult, but now I see a change.

R: Being a woman, do you face many difficulties?
U: There were several shortcomings being a woman in this industry. For instance, if you take my magazine, I started it to promote UB City and further changed it into a luxury magazine. But if there was any other guy in my position, people would’ve accepted it. I’m still struggling!

U: But tell me, how did you get into modelling?
R: I met Prasad Bidapa through a common friend. I’ve been in the industry for eight years now. I have a full-time job and work in shifts, balancing both my careers. Though, I love this industry, I’m planning to get into films in the near future.