Sahar Tabar, an Instagram personality from Tehran, took the internet by storm in 2017 with a transformation that left millions speechless.
Known for her surreal and haunting appearance, Sahar rose to fame after posting photos that looked unlike anything typically seen on social media. Her images sparked intense curiosity—and controversy—around the world.
According to reports from Turkish media, Sahar reportedly underwent over 50 plastic surgeries and shed 90 pounds in pursuit of her unique look. Her dramatic metamorphosis quickly gained traction, amassing over 400,000 followers eager to track her every change.
At the heart of her extreme transformation was a single, bold ambition: to resemble Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, a goal that a local newspaper revealed was her ultimate dream.
But despite widespread rumors, Sahar Tabar—whose real name is Fatemah Khishvand—says her transformation was never about looking like Angelina Jolie.
“The idea that I wanted to look like Angelina Jolie or the ‘Corpse Bride’ character is completely false,” Sahar told Sputnik News in 2017. “I understand the comparisons, but I’ve always seen myself as my own muse. I didn’t want to look like anyone else.”
While many thought she was mimicking Tim Burton’s eerie animated character or chasing Hollywood beauty standards, Sahar insisted her photos were a form of personal expression—an art project. She loved experimenting with makeup, dramatic filters, and digital editing, crafting a surreal image that blurred the line between fantasy and reality.
Over time, Sahar did undergo several procedures—including rhinoplasty, liposuction, and Botox injections for her lips—but not to imitate anyone. Rather, it was part of a broader exploration of identity and self-expression in a society where cosmetic surgery is not uncommon. In fact, Iran holds the world’s highest rate of nose surgeries, with plastic surgery being especially popular among younger generations.
Despite her mother’s disapproval, Sahar remained determined to chase fame and creativity through her unconventional Instagram presence. For her, it wasn’t about conformity—it was about standing out.
“I don’t see anything wrong with it,” Sahar said in a 2017 interview, defending her choice to undergo cosmetic procedures. “It’s simple—and many people around the world do it. Here in Tehran, one operation costs 10 million Iranian rials, about $283.”
With each shocking photo she posted, her follower count soared. As the images grew more surreal, international media outlets began covering her story. Suddenly, Sahar Tabar was no longer just an internet curiosity—she was a household name in Iran.
Far from hiding in public, Sahar embraced her fame. “People react normally when I walk around the city. They recognize me, call my name, talk to me, even hug me,” she said at the time. “They support me—I don’t feel any negativity from them.”
Still, not everyone approved. Critics argued she had gone too far and insisted she was more beautiful before the surgeries. But Sahar remained steadfast: “The most important thing is that I have the acceptance of my family and God. That’s enough for me. The opinions of the rest of the world don’t matter—I ignore their negativity.”
However, her bold self-expression clashed with Iran’s conservative regime. In October 2019, Sahar was arrested and brought to trial. Her Instagram account was deleted, and she was charged with “corruption” and “blasphemy.” By December 2020, she had been sentenced to 10 years in prison—a stunning punishment for what many saw as artistic freedom.
Her arrest sparked outrage, and Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad raised her voice in protest, calling for global support on Sahar’s behalf.
“Sahar Tabar is only 19. Her joke landed her in jail.”
Those were the words shared by Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad, who posted a heartfelt plea to the world. “Her mother cries every day to get her innocent daughter freed. Dear Angelina Jolie, we need your voice here. Help us.”
Then, something unexpected happened.
After serving just 14 months of her 10-year sentence, Sahar was released. The decision came during a volatile time in Iran, amid mass protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini—a young woman who died in custody after being arrested for allegedly violating hijab laws. The social and political pressure may have played a role in Sahar’s early release. According to her, the judge eventually agreed to convert her prison sentence into a bail order.
Although her official Instagram account, @sahartabar_official, remains deactivated, her digital presence lives on. Several fan and archival accounts continue to circulate both old and unseen photos of Sahar, keeping her hauntingly iconic image alive on social media.
Once a teenager experimenting with makeup and filters, Sahar Tabar became a global symbol of controversy, self-expression, and the price of fame in an unforgiving system.
Following her release, Sahar Tabar made a rare television appearance—this time, without the exaggerated makeup or digital effects. Viewers saw her natural face for the first time, and with it, a dose of clarity.
Sahar admitted she had undergone several cosmetic procedures, but she also confessed that much of her viral look was created through makeup, prosthetics, and heavy Photoshop editing. What many assumed were the permanent results of extreme surgery were, in reality, carefully crafted illusions—an elaborate digital performance that spiraled beyond her control.
And honestly, I’m not one to judge. Everyone should have the freedom to express themselves—through appearance, art, or identity—in whatever way feels true to them.
In Sahar’s case, it’s clear her story was never just about the pictures. It was about a young woman exploring the limits of art, identity, and fame in a society quick to punish difference. Hopefully, now that she’s out of prison, she’s free to live her life without fear—and on her own terms.
