Local StoriesJune 17, 2026

Rising Stars: Meet Tanzila Kabir of Atlanta

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanzila Kabir.

Hi Tanzila, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Tanzila Kabir. I was born in Bangladesh and spent my early years in Saudi Arabia before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up in different countries gave me the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and perspectives, which has helped shape who I am today. Later, I attended college in New York City, where I studied Sociology and Business Law. My studies allowed me to better understand society, human behavior, and the legal principles that influence our daily lives.

Outside of academics, I have always been passionate about the arts and enjoy exploring various forms of creative expression, including media, modeling, acting, and painting. I believe that art is a powerful way to communicate ideas, tell stories, and connect with others. Through my experiences and interests, I have developed a strong appreciation for creativity, diversity, and lifelong learning. I look forward to continuing to grow both personally and professionally while pursuing my goals and exploring new opportunities.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Constantly adapting to new environments, cultures, and ways of life was not always easy. I often had to step outside my comfort zone and learn how to connect with people from different backgrounds. These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of keeping an open mind.

One of the biggest challenges in my life was adjusting to major transitions and finding my place in unfamiliar surroundings. Each move required me to start over, build new friendships, and adapt to new expectations. Although these changes were difficult at times, they helped me become stronger and more independent.

In addition to my academic achievements, I have pursued my passion for the arts through media, modeling, acting, and painting. These creative outlets have allowed me to express myself, build confidence, and continue growing as an individual.

Looking back, I realize that my struggles have shaped my successes. The challenges I faced taught me perseverance and determination, while my accomplishments remind me of how far I have come. I am grateful for my experiences and look forward to continuing to learn, grow, and pursue my goals in the future.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is my unique cultural background and life experiences. From a young age, I was passionate about the arts and began modeling at the age of 17. I had the opportunity to walk in several fashion shows, including Dillard’s Fashion Week at Atlantic Station and events associated with New York City Fashion Week. In 2007, I was selected to participate in the IMTA International Modeling Competition. Unfortunately, because my parents were very strict, I was unable to attend the final competition in New York City. Although this was a heartbreaking disappointment, it taught me resilience and the importance of continuing to pursue my dreams despite setbacks.

Later, I had the privilege of working with renowned Bangladeshi fashion designer Runi’s Desire, which further strengthened my passion for fashion and creativity. Throughout my journey, I have always been determined to explore opportunities beyond the boundaries of my culture and comfort zone.

One of the greatest challenges I faced was when I fell in love with and married my husband, who is Black American and Italian. My family strongly opposed our marriage and ultimately disowned me. This experience was emotionally devastating and led to a period of depression that caused me to step away from many of my dreams and ambitions. For a time, I lost confidence in myself and questioned my future.

However, I refused to let my circumstances define me. Over time, I found the strength to rebuild my confidence and return to the passions that had always brought me joy. Recently, I made a comeback by appearing in the film “Models Wanted,” which premiered at AMC Times Square in New York City. The film is now available on Tubi, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. Seeing my work on screen was a reminder that perseverance and determination can help us achieve our goals, even after facing significant obstacles.

In addition to modeling and acting, I am also passionate about painting. I have sold artwork to local coffee shops and enjoy teaching weekend Sip and Paint classes. Sharing creativity with others brings me great fulfillment and allows me to inspire people through art. I am also working toward publishing my first coloring book, which will feature Bangladeshi cultural art and celebrate the beauty of my heritage.

Looking back, I realize that my struggles have shaped my greatest successes. Every challenge I faced taught me strength, resilience, and the importance of believing in myself. My journey has shown me that setbacks do not have to be the end of a dream. If there is one lesson I would share with others, it is to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult life may become. With perseverance, courage, and faith in yourself, it is possible to overcome obstacles and create the future you envision.

One of my greatest accomplishments is being able to pass the lessons I have learned on to my children. The challenges and successes I have experienced throughout my life have given me valuable knowledge, wisdom, and perspective. I am proud to be able to provide my children with guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that will help them build a bright future. My goal is to teach them the importance of resilience, kindness, cultural appreciation, and never giving up on their dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
My choices in life have brought both joy and pain. One of the most difficult experiences I have faced was being disowned by my family because of the person I chose to marry. It was heartbreaking to lose the support of people I loved, especially when I was simply following my heart. Through this experience, I learned that love is not defined by race, color, culture, or religion. True love is a connection between two hearts built on respect, understanding, and commitment.

There were times when the emotional pain felt overwhelming and made me question myself and my future. However, I realized that life will always present challenges, and the key is finding the strength to keep moving forward. It is not always easy, but sometimes you have to motivate yourself, believe in your worth, and get back up after being knocked down. Those difficult moments taught me resilience and helped me become a stronger person. Today, I am proud of the life I have built and the example I can set for my children by showing them the importance of courage, perseverance, and staying true to themselves.

Pricing:

#Models wanted is free to watch in Tubi,Fawsome
Rent or Buy from $1.99 on Amazon prime

Contact Info:

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