The
internet has long been captivated by Sahar Tabar, a young woman from Iran who
gained global attention for her striking—and eerie—resemblance to a “zombie
version” of Angelina Jolie. With an Instagram account that boasted millions of
followers, she became infamous for her dramatically altered appearance, which
included gaunt cheekbones, oversized lips, and hollowed eyes. But her story
goes far beyond her viral photos. Sahar’s tale is one of fame, controversy,
imprisonment, and resilience.
The
Rise of Zombie Angelina Jolie
Born
Fatemeh Khishvand, Sahar Tabar first caught the public’s attention as a
teenager when she began sharing heavily edited and stylized photos on
Instagram. Her exaggerated features led many to believe she had undergone
extensive plastic surgery to resemble Angelina Jolie, albeit in a haunting,
zombified way.
Tabar
reportedly underwent over 50 surgeries, including liposuction and rhinoplasty,
in her quest for a unique look. However, she later revealed in interviews that
much of her appearance was achieved through makeup, digital editing, and clever
angles.
“Every
time I publish a photo, I paint my face in an increasingly funny way,” she
said. “It’s a form of expression—a kind of art. My fans know this isn’t my real
face.” Despite her claims, the rumor that she was obsessed with looking like
Angelina Jolie persisted, further fueling her internet fame.
Social
Media Fame and Controversy
At
the height of her popularity, Sahar’s Instagram account had nearly four million
followers. Her shocking images sparked both fascination and outrage, with many
criticizing her for promoting unrealistic beauty standards or mocking the
actress she was compared to.
Her
mother, disapproving of Sahar’s social media stunts, tried to discourage her.
But for Sahar, Instagram offered an easy route to fame. “Cyberspace was an easy
way,” she admitted. “It was much easier than becoming an actor.”
However,
Sahar’s fame came at a steep price. In October 2019, Iranian authorities
arrested her, accusing her of blasphemy, inciting violence, promoting
corruption among youth, and violating the country’s strict dress codes.
The
Arrest and Harsh Sentence
Sahar’s
arrest sent shockwaves across the internet. Critics argued that her photos were
harmless expressions of creativity, while Iranian officials saw them as a
threat to cultural and moral values.
At
just 19 years old, Sahar was sentenced to 10 years in Qarchak Prison, a facility
notorious for its inhumane conditions. This harsh punishment sparked outrage
among human rights activists, who saw it as an example of the Iranian
government’s oppressive treatment of women and artists.
Masih
Alinejad, a prominent Iranian activist, called on Angelina Jolie to intervene.
“Sahar Tabar is only 19,” Alinejad wrote on social media. “Her joke landed her
in jail. Her mother cries every day to get her innocent daughter freed. Dear
Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Help us.”
The
Role of Photo Editing
Throughout
her rise to fame, Sahar maintained that much of her look was achieved through
photo manipulation, not surgery. “I didn’t even think about being like Jolie or
the Corpse Bride,” she told a Russian news outlet. “I’m a muse myself. I never
wanted to resemble anyone else.”
Despite
her claims, confusion persisted, with some followers believing she had
physically altered her face to achieve her bizarre appearance. This ambiguity
only added to her mystique—and her infamy.
A
Shocking Turn of Events: Her Release
After
serving 14 months in prison, Sahar was unexpectedly released in the wake of
national protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died after
being arrested for allegedly wearing her hijab incorrectly. The protests
highlighted widespread dissatisfaction with Iran’s oppressive laws, prompting
some leniency in cases like Sahar’s.
Her
release brought her back into the spotlight, with many questioning whether her
punishment was ever justified. While she has remained relatively quiet since
her release, her story continues to resonate as a symbol of the tension between
freedom of expression and governmental control in Iran.
The
Legacy of Zombie Angelina Jolie
Sahar’s
story raises complex questions about the power and pitfalls of social media
fame. What began as a teenage experiment with makeup and filters spiraled into
international controversy, ultimately landing her in one of the world’s most
infamous prisons.
Her
arrest and sentencing also highlighted broader issues, including the
suppression of women’s rights in Iran and the dangers faced by artists who
challenge societal norms. For her millions of fans, Sahar’s journey is a
cautionary tale about the price of internet stardom in a world where personal
expression can have dire consequences.
Conclusion:
Fame, Freedom, and Forgiveness
Sahar
Tabar’s transformation into “Zombie Angelina Jolie” may have started as a joke,
but it became a powerful commentary on identity, creativity, and censorship.
Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of fame in the digital
age—and the courage it takes to reclaim your voice after facing unimaginable
challenges.
While
her Instagram account has been deleted, the legacy of her haunting images—and
the global conversation they sparked—lives on. As she steps back into the world
after her release, one can only hope she finds a way to channel her unique
artistry in a way that uplifts and inspires.
Would
you have guessed the story behind those viral images? Share this article with
your friends and family to spark a discussion about freedom, creativity, and
the cost of fame.
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